PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 19, 2005
Improving Government Accountability Act - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to allow an Inspector General (IG) to be removed from office prior to the expiration of his or her term only on the grounds of either: (1) permanent incapacity; (2) inefficiency; (3) neglect of duty; (4) malfeasance; or (5) conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude.
Establishes the term of office of each IG as seven years and permits reappointment. Makes similar amendments respecting the appointment of IGs of certain designated Federal entities.
Authorizes an IG to annually transmit an appropriation estimate and request to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and to the appropriate congressional committees, in addition to the head of the establishment concerned. Requires the President to include in each annual budget specified IG appropriation information.
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Establishes within the Executive Branch the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel in IG offices.
Establishes an Integrity Committee for the Council to review and refer for investigation allegations that are made against IGs and certain staff of the IG Offices.
Considers each Office of IG to be a separate Federal agency.
Empowers IGs of certain designated Federal entities with the same law enforcement authority provided to other IGs.
Provides for the application of semiannual reporting requirements concerning the activities of offices of the IG with respect to inspection and evaluation reports.
People & committees
Rep. Cooper, Jim [D-TN-5] · D–TN
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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