Sen. Tammy Duckworth is introducing new legislation aimed at strengthening the independence of federal inspectors general by barring political appointees from serving in those watchdog roles.
What the Inspector General’s Independence Act would do
The proposed Inspector General’s Independence Act would prevent President Donald Trump and future presidents from nominating current or former political appointees from their administrations to serve as inspectors general. Duckworth argues the change is necessary to ensure IGs can operate without partisan pressure.
“Inspectors general are supposed to be calling balls and strikes,” Duckworth told ABC News, adding that political appointees may feel loyalty to the administration that selected them.
Context: firings and legal challenges
The bill comes nearly a year after the administration dismissed 17 inspectors general across multiple agencies at the start of Trump’s second term. The move sparked bipartisan criticism and ongoing lawsuits questioning whether the firings were legal.
Duckworth said the legislation would clarify the law rather than leaving the issue solely to the courts.
VA inspector general nomination cited as key example
Duckworth pointed to the confirmation of Cheryl Mason as Veterans Affairs inspector general as a case that highlights her concerns. Mason was serving as a senior adviser to VA Secretary Doug Collins when she was nominated to fill a vacancy created by the firing of the previous IG.
During her confirmation hearing, Democrats questioned whether Mason could function as an independent watchdog. While Republican Sen. Jerry Moran also raised concerns, he ultimately voted to confirm her along with the rest of the GOP.
Mason defended her independence
Mason told senators she would act independently, emphasizing her prior experience at the VA and her commitment to veterans. She acknowledged working for the president and the VA secretary, but said she would also work for congressional oversight committees.
The Senate confirmed Mason in July by a 53–45 vote, with no Democrats supporting her nomination.
Legislative outlook remains uncertain
Duckworth’s bill would have barred Mason’s nomination and aims to prevent similar appointments in the future. The legislation is co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Blumenthal, Adam Schiff, Kirsten Gillibrand and Peter Welch, but currently has no Republican co-sponsors.
Its prospects are uncertain in Congress, and it is considered unlikely that President Trump would sign the measure into law if it reaches his desk.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.