House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR)

House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Inspector General David Hunt expressing concerns with the apparent erosion of the Inspector General’s independence by FCC action.

“The Committee on Energy and Commerce seeks information on the internal processes and procedures that govern the relationship between the Office of the Chairman and the Office of the Inspector General,” write Chairmen Upton and Walden. “There is growing concern that because the FCC Inspector General is appointed by, reports to, and is under the general supervision of the Chairman of the Commission that the IG is not free to provide the honest and independent criticism that is critical to the performance of the IG’s oversight.” “In order to address our committee’s concerns regarding the independence of the FCC’s Office of Inspector General and the impact on accountability in the FCC’s decision-making and management, we request… information necessary to understand the practical and working relationship between the Office of the Chairman and the Inspector General.”

The Chairmen ask for answers to the following by October 31:

1. What mechanisms are in place to ensure the Office of Inspector General is independent from the Office of the Chairman?
2. How is the IG’s annual budget derived?
3. What is the role of the FCC’s Office of Human Resources in the personnel decisions of the IG’s office?
4. What is the role of the Chairman’s office in drafting and releasing IG reports and audits?
5. What role do FCC bureaus and offices play in drafting and releasing IG reports and audits?
6. Can the IG post information of the FCC website?