A group that oversees federal inspectors general is facing a new lawsuit just days after it named a new chairwoman, the latest in a saga centering on allegations of politicized harassment by the umbrella organization.
James Read, chief counsel to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, sued the Integrity Committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency alleging unfair scrutiny and improper access to his information.
Read, who submitted the filing Monday in his personal rather than official capacity, was part of a group from Cuffari’s office that sued last year, claiming the “vexatious CIGIE/IC investigations into the plaintiffs had a chilling effect on their work and actions.” That case was later dismissed on the grounds that the investigation itself did not amount to unlawful harassment.
His new case says he was subjected to two interviews lasting nine hours and that CIGIE investigators inappropriately obtained extensive records documenting his actions and decisions, including “whistleblowing disclosures” of wrongdoing by CIGIE leadership.
Two inspectors general have been fired or resigned this year amid CIGIE investigations, which often last for years without a conclusion, leading to accusations that the group is reaching beyond its mandate and taking politically motivated actions.
“The more we learn about the Integrity Committee, the more concerns I have about the way it operates,” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) previously told the Washington Examiner. “They have weaponized their investigative process against inspectors general who are out of step with the goals and desires of the committee itself.”
Cuffari, the DHS inspector general, has been under investigation for four years.
“Defendant CIGIE is violating the Federal Advisory Committee Act and is acting in a manner that is arbitrary, capricious, contrary to law, and without observance of procedure required by law,” reads a portion of Read’s suit.
Read holds that because the group provides advice and recommendations to the president and not all of its members are employed by the federal government, it should effectively be subject to open meeting laws similar to an elected government body.
It’s the latest in a string of controversies for CIGIE.
In March, President Joe Biden fired Martin Dickman, former U.S. Railroad Retirement Board inspector general, who had been in the position since October 1994 and under CIGIE investigation since January 2023. The action led to a letter from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and a strongly worded rebuke from Dickman’s lawyer, Justin Weddle.
In late May, Social Security Administration Inspector General Gail Ennis announced her resignation in the midst of a lengthy CIGIE investigation into her office. Ennis, a former President Donald Trump appointee, wrote in a letter, “Each step I and my office have taken to discuss our concerns in good faith has been met with further retaliation. The process has exhausted and disheartened me, as was likely intended.”
The Integrity Committee now has a new chairwoman, Corporation for Public Broadcasting Inspector General Kimberly Howell. Read, in his suit, argues that because CPB is not part of the executive branch, Howell should not have the powers granted to the IC chair, which includes access to nonpublic information.
Attempts to reach Howell for comment were unsuccessful.
“CIGIE is aware of the complaint and has no comment at this time,” said Juan Lara, CIGIE External and Congressional Affairs specialist.
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John Vecchione, who led last year’s lawsuit on behalf of NCLA, said he feels that Read has a strong case.
“I look with bated breath to the government’s response,” he said.