Westerman Calls for Audit of Interior’s Departmental Ethics Office
- January 24, 2022
“Despite numerous congressional inquiries spanning nearly a year, DOI repeatedly fails to produce adequate responses to concerns about Department employees who face potential conflicts of interest. DOI’s refusal to cooperate with congressional oversight related to ethics compliance prompts questions about the efficacy and efficiency of the Departmental Ethics Office (DEO). Therefore, to evaluate best practices, efficiency, and effectiveness, I respectfully request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit the DEO. The audit should review the DEO’s programs and operations, particularly, but not limited to, the process through which DOI’s political appointees in the Biden Administration receive ethics guidance, recusal obligations, screening arrangements, and ethics waivers.”