Providing Additional Authorities To Special Inspector General For Afghanistan Reconstruction
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. The United States has committed over $30 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since 2001, and with the President's stated intention to increase the size and scope of our efforts, it is necessary that we provide all of our inspectors general operating in Afghanistan the authorities and resources necessary to mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse in these programs. However, the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, currently lacks such authorities and resources.
Despite its establishment nearly 1 year ago, SIGAR officials have reportedly had difficulty hiring individuals for this unique and challenging assignment, and the staffing shortfall has contributed to the lack of an independent audit or investigation by the office thus far.
This legislation would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008 to provide to SIGAR personnel authorities similar to those given to the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. The legislation would expedite the standard hiring process for civil service provisions by permitting SIGAR to use employment authorities granted to heads of temporary organizations. Such authorities allow organizations to hire staff for limited terms, notwithstanding the requirements normally applicable to civil service positions.
This legislation is intended to help the SIGAR quickly hire experienced, well-qualified employees to conduct necessary oversight of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Employees hired under this new authority could serve until the termination of the SIGAR office.
I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation which gives the SIGAR additional hiring authorities to facilitate his ability to quickly hire experienced, well-qualified employees to fill critical positions.
I reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source