House Republicans Press Wheeler on Inspector General Independence

House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) are challenging the independence of the Federal Communications Commission Inspector General's (IG) office following its finding that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler did not leak information about the existence of a compromise on Lifeline subsidy reforms in order to blow up the deal. Chairman Upton and Chairman Walden want the FCC to supply some specific information about the "interdependence" of the FCC and IG.

“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 IG report found that Chairman Wheeler did leak the information, but that he had the authority to make nonpublic information public, and that there was no evidence of a motive beyond what FCC spokesperson Shannon Gilson, who said she had recommended the chairman release the info, said was "providing the press with information about the compromise Lifeline proposal to address the confusion that was already surrounding the item in the media."