Richard L. Skinner: “The tragic events that are unfolding today in Japan are a stark reminder of how important catastrophic preparedness is.”

In today's economic climate, it is critical that the Department concentrate its limited resources on those threats that pose the greatest threat to the country.

But if you ask, are we as prepared as we can be or should be, then the answer to that is no, we are not.

With having acting people in place, what you are doing is running in place. . . . [Y]ou are not taking those risks necessary as a confirmed IG would to provide oversight . . . that is absolutely critical to the success of any program.

I think it is extremely important, and I think we are seeing the results of not having the Senate-confirmed Inspector Generals in place right now across the board.