Sylvester Turner: “Mr. Speaker, S. 1707, as has been mentioned, is intended to enhance the independence of the Inspector General of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 1707, as has been mentioned, is intended to enhance the independence of the Inspector General of the Tennessee Valley Authority by making the position presidentially-appointed. Under current law, the Inspector General of the TVA is appointed by the agency head. As all of us understand, the Inspectors General in all of our agencies perform a very important watchdog function. In order to be able to carry that out effectively, they need to be independent. Therefore, this bill would make the Inspector General of this agency similar to all agencies of the Federal government and require that the President appoint the Inspector General, rather than the agency head. In addition, this bill authorizes such funds as are necessary to establish a criminal investigator academy and a forensic laboratory for the Inspector General community. It is clear that the Inspectors General need to have adequate and continuous criminal investigative training, and this academy will provide such training. Also, the Inspectors General have a need for forensic lab capability, which this bill authorizes. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I commend Senator Thompson and Senator Lieberman for their bipartisan work on the matter. I believe the bill will enhance the Inspector General of the TVA and promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency within that important Federal agency, and I urge adoption of the measure.”