On August 2, 2007, the full committee reported H.R. 928, the Improving Government Accountability Act. Introduced by Rep. Cooper on February 8, 2007, H.R. 928 updates the Inspector General Act of 1978 to promote independence and accountability for Inspectors General in executive branch departments and agencies.

The bill includes provisions for (1) a defined term of office for the Inspectors General and conditions for removal, (2) Inspectors General to submit their budgets directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress, (3) the statutory establishment of a combined President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency and Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency, (4) pay reform for Inspectors General, (5) changes in Inspector General investigative and law enforcement authorities, (6) the application of semiannual reporting requirements with respect to inspection reports and evaluation reports, and (7) enhanced authority for the Government Accountability Office (GAO).