U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., joined a bipartisan group of 16 senators this week in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to fill the six vacant Inspectors General (IGs) positions to ensure proper federal government oversight. The inspector general position was created by Congress in 1978 as an independent office responsible for investigations and reports to save the government money, to promote and ensure transparency, and to deter and combat wrongdoings in federal departments and agencies.

“Every year, Inspectors General identify billions of dollars in potential savings, including savings from improved management practices and fines and repayments resulting from investigations. The value of the Inspectors General goes beyond dollars; these offices also help reveal and prosecute wrongdoing, and promote the integrity of government. They provide invaluable support to Congressional budgeting and oversight work.  Inspectors General are an essential component of government oversight,” the senators wrote in a Jan. 24 letter.

The current vacancies are at the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor, and State, and the Agency for International Development. Once the president appoints qualified and experienced persons to these roles, the Senate can confirm their appointment. Enzi said this will create a more reliable situation as opposed to temporary, acting IGs in such critical roles.