If there’s been one good thing about Washington in recent years, it’s been the work of the federal government’s inspectors general.
Created by a 1978 law, there now are 57 statutory inspectors general working across the federal bureaucracy. They audit, investigate and do inspections in their agencies; prevent and reduce waste, fraud and abuse; and promote economy and efficiency. Some are appointed by the president and confirmed by Senate; others are named by agency heads. But all operate with a wide measure of independence. Agency chiefs, for instance, can’t dictate what IGs decide to investigate.
Inspectors general have shone spotlights on Iraq reconstruction and in hurricane relief, lax records security at the IRS, misspent farm aid at the Department of Agriculture, waste at the Smithsonian Institution, conflicts of interest in federal medical research – and even problems at the National Archives.
As a group, the inspectors general may be a taxpayer’s best friend. So it’s terribly discouraging to learn that one of them has fallen from grace.
In a report of more than 1,000 pages, the Integrity Committee, which investigates IGs, found Robert Cobb, NASA inspector general since 2002, cultivated too-cozy relationships with NASA administrators. Among other things, Cobb routinely sought advice from then-Administrator Sean O’Keefe on how to structure investigations and tipped O’Keefe off about some audits. (The White House initially refused to give the report to Congress, relenting only after a subpoena threat.)
The Integrity Committee recommended discipline up to and including Cobb’s removal. Members of Congress have called for his resignation or firing.
Current NASA chief Michael Griffin said Cobb had only “created an appearance of a lack of independence” and suggested he needs “leadership training.” (Is that like rehab for watchdogs?)
Only President Bush can fire Cobb. We think Cobb should go, one way or another.
Before he does, though, there’s one more thing you should know about Robert Cobb.
Before joining NASA, Cobb advised White House counsel Alberto Gonzales on ethics and conflicts of interest. Gonzales, now attorney general, is neck deep in trouble over the firing of eight U.S. attorneys, some allegedly canned because they wouldn’t use their offices for political purposes.
You can’t make this stuff up.
