From the Desk of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D.
Since my appointment in 2019, as a direct result of our reviews and investigations, DHS OIG has identified more than $12 Billion in questioned costs, funds put to better use, and recoveries, fines, and restitutions.
Simultaneously, we have continued to transform our office. In 2021, the Government Accountability Office issued a report with 21 recommendations to help improve long-standing management challenges. I am happy to report that GAO has closed 6 recommendations and deemed 7 “partially implemented.” I am grateful to GAO for their support.
Our oversight of DHS’s border operations remains a top priority. Recent reports include unannounced inspections of DHS border processing facilities and DHS staffing and employee morale during intensifying conditions at the Southwest Border. However, DHS’s delays and denials of our information requests have adversely impacted our work.
Since Fall 2021, DHS OIG has consistently reported DHS’s delays and denials of information that we need to do our jobs and which DHS is required to provide, consistent with the law. For example:
- Semiannual Report to Congress – April 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022
- Semiannual Report to Congress – October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
- Semiannual Report to Congress – April 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021
- Semiannual Report to Congress – October 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023
- Quarterly reports, pursuant to DHS Appropriations Bill 2023, House Report 117- 396
- Reports of DHS’s denials of information, pursuant to 2023 NDAA, Section 5261
DHS’s mission is more important than ever, and I remain hopeful that DHS will improve its responsiveness so that DHS OIG can continue to provide Congress and the public timely oversight like that featured in this bulletin. Under my leadership, we will continue to provide the American taxpayer with a worthwhile return on investment, and we will continue to ensure excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.
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