Kendra S. Horn: “In the fiscal year 1997, which ended September 30, 1997, the inspector general audits identified $25 billion in funds…”

“In the fiscal year 1997, which ended September 30, 1997, the inspector general audits identified $25 billion in funds that year that could be put to better use. They returned to the government $3 billion in restitution and investigative recoveries. They had more than 15,000 successful criminal prosecutions and over 6,000 debarments, exclusions, and suspension of firms or individuals doing business with the government. They are on our frontline, Madam Speaker, and we appreciate them for their 20 years of very difficult work. Under various administrations, there has sometimes been a difficulty between the Inspector General and the Secretary of an executive department or the administrator of a particular program. A wise administrator listens to the Inspector General and does the right thing. Generally, the inspectors general have prevailed. Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of this timely resolution.”