Senator McCaskill: McCaskill Calls On CIA Director to Cease Investigation of Agency's IG

October 12, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today urged General Michael V. Hayden, director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to halt his investigation of the CIA’s Inspector General, which she says creates a clear conflict of interest. In her letter, McCaskill expressed her concern with reports that the CIA Director has launched an internal review of the CIA Inspector General’s (IG) office, led by John L. Helgerson. McCaskill asked Hayden to cease his investigation in order to preserve the independence of the IG and instructed Hayden that if he had serious concerns with the IG office, he should pursue the appropriate channels for investigating the activities of inspectors general.

In her letter to Hayden, McCaskill wrote: “Instead of using either of the legal options available, by undertaking your own investigation of Mr. Helgerson, you have interfered with his ability to perform his job. You have also created an atmosphere where employees who may wish to report possible waste, fraud or abuse may fear that the agency may intervene in any subsequent investigation. The potential for a chilling effect on future whistleblowers is enormous.”

Hayden’s internal review of the CIA’s IG was highlighted today in a New York Times article. The newspaper reported that the inquiry was prompted by the IG’s investigation of controversial programs within the CIA, including the agency’s interrogation procedures.

McCaskill sent the letter to Hayden as she continues to work closely with her Senate colleagues to advance IG reform legislation. McCaskill, Missouri’s former state auditor, introduced earlier this year the Improving Government Accountability Act, which would work to guarantee qualified individuals are appointed to inspector general positions, IGs remain independent from inappropriate influence or pressure from the government agencies they oversee, and IG reports are easily accessible to the public.

Thirty years after Congress first created Inspector General (IG) offices to review the efficiency of government programs, McCaskill’s legislation would further strengthen the IG system and ensure that government remains fully accountable to its citizens. Similar legislation won overwhelming approval in the House of Representatives earlier this month with a vote of 404 to 11.

Source: Senator Claire McCaskill