Bill > HR1811

This bill establishes an Inspector General (IG) for the judicial branch of the United States government, creating a new oversight mechanism to investigate potential misconduct and improve accountability. The IG would be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States for a four-year term, with the ability to be reappointed, and could be removed by the Chief Justice with reasons communicated to Congress. The Office of the Inspector General would have broad powers to conduct investigations, audits, and oversight of judicial branch activities, with some important limitations: the IG cannot investigate the merits of judicial decisions or punish judges directly. The IG's duties include investigating alleged misconduct in federal courts (excluding the Supreme Court), preventing waste and fraud, and recommending changes to judicial branch laws and regulations. The bill also establishes strong whistleblower protections, preventing retaliation against employees who provide information about potential violations or misconduct. The IG would be required to submit annual reports to the Chief Justice and Congress, and would have the power to obtain information from various governmental agencies, issue subpoenas, and hire staff. Significantly, the IG must report potential federal criminal violations to the Attorney General and can provide sensitive reports to Congress in closed sessions.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1811/all-info