Inspectors general seek legislation on oversight powers

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of inspectors general is appealing to Congress to pass legislation that affirms their ability to conduct independent oversight.

The Council of Inspectors on Integrity and Efficiency represents 72 inspectors general.

The group sent a letter to members of Congress saying new legislation is needed to shore up their authority following the release last month of a memo from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel.

The inspectors general say that opinion curtails their authority to access certain records such as grand jury testimony and wiretap and credit information.

They say refusing or delaying inspectors general access to information and records may “impede or otherwise inhibit investigations and prosecutions related to agency programs and operations.”