Schmitt. Photo: Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Sen. Eric Schmitt is introducing a bill today that would establish separate inspector general positions for NIH, CDC and FDA.
Why it matters: The plan, shared first with Axios, is notable in that these operating agencies are currently overseen by the HHS inspector general.
- Schmitt is close to President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., so his actions on health oversight are worth watching. His office said he plans to introduce multiple public health reform–related bills this Congress.
Context: Schmitt's office noted that the HHS IG covered "a vast portfolio," which diluted "targeted oversight of highly technical agencies like the CDC, NIH and FDA."
- A fact sheet provided to Axios also stated that other federal departments have subagency IGs and that creating such positions at these health agencies would help "promote trust" and "signal a commitment to transparency" after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between the lines: In January, Trump abruptly fired inspectors generals across a swath of the federal agencies, including HHS, saying that "some were not doing their job."
- Eight of the watchdogs sued to get their jobs back, since Congress is supposed to be given 30 days' notice of dismissal of IGs.
- An HHS spokesperson said the agency doesn't comment on active legislation.
