Grassley, Sensenbrenner Introduce Legislation to Create Inspector General in Judicial Branch

GRASSLEY, SENSENBRENNER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CREATE INSPECTOR GENERAL IN JUDICIAL BRANCH

Sen. Chuck Grassley today introduced legislation in the Senate to create an Inspector General for the Judicial Branch. Companion legislation was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.

Grassley said an independent watchdog for the federal Judiciary is an important way to promote credibility within the Judicial Branch of government.

"Press accounts and Government Accountability Office reports indicate the federal Judiciary's self policing is not up to snuff. An Inspector General is just the right medicine the federal Judiciary needs to ensure it is complying with its own ethical guidelines and to root out potential waste, fraud and abuse in the system," Grassley said. "Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and an IG can only help shed more light on the actions of our Judicial Branch of Government and keep it accountable to the American people."

Summary of The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006

As Introduced in the Senate

* Establishes the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch, who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after consultation with the Congress.

* The duties of the Inspector General are: (1) to conduct investigations of possible misconduct of judges in the judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, that may require oversight or other action by Congress; (2) to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; (3) to detect waste, fraud and abuse; and (4) to recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch.

* The powers of the Inspector General are: (1) to make investigations and reports; (2) to obtain information or assistance from any Federal, State or local agency, or other entity, or unit thereof, including all information kept in the course of business by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial council of circuits, the administrative office of United States courts, and the United States Sentencing Commission; (3) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance for the taking of testimony of any witnesses and the production of any documents, which shall be enforceable by civil action; (4) to administer or to take an oath or affirmation from any person; (5) to employ officers and employees; (6) to obtain all necessary services; and (7) to enter into contracts or other arrangements to obtain services as needed.

* The Inspector General is required: (1) to provide the Chief Justice and Congress with an annual report on the Inspector General's operations; (2) to make prompt reports to the Chief Justice and to Congress on matters which may require further action; and (3) to refer to the Department of Justice any matter that may constitute a criminal violation.

* Establishes whistleblower protections for individuals within the Judicial Branch.

http://grassley.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=5045&Month=4&Year=2006