[House Document 118-123]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




118th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 118-123

 
LETTER REMOVING THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 
               FROM OFFICE, EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS FROM TODAY

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  from

                     THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

  A LETTER REMOVING THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT 
 BOARD FROM OFFICE, EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS FROM TODAY, PURSUANT TO 5 U.S.C. 
    403(b); ADDED BY PUBLIC LAW 117-286, SEC. 3(b); (136 STAT. 4208)




      March 29, 2024.--Referred to the Committee on Oversight and 
                Accountability and ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                        Washington, March 29, 2024.
Hon. Mike Johnson,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to advise that I am exercising my 
authority to remove from office the Inspector General of the 
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), effective 30 days from today. 
Because I have determined that the Inspector General's 
continued presence in the workplace would jeopardize legitimate 
Government interests, he will be placed on the non-duty status 
of administrative leave, effective immediately, for the 30-day 
period prior to his removal from office.
    Inspectors General have a critical role in promoting the 
economy, effectiveness, and efficiency of Federal programs and 
operations. As President, it is vital that I have the fullest 
confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. 
That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector 
General in light of evidence of misconduct uncovered by an 
ongoing, independent investigation conducted by the Integrity 
Committee of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity 
and Efficiency. That evidence is described in greater detail in 
the attached letter from Counsel to the President Ed Siskel.
    I have also directed that Ben R. Wagner, who is currently 
serving as the Inspector General of the Tennessee Valley 
Authority, shall serve concurrently as Acting Inspector General 
of the RRB, effective 30 days from today. I have directed 
Inspector General Wagner to serve in this role in light of his 
exemplary track record as Inspector General and because, given 
the nature of the conduct that prompted my decision to remove 
the Inspector General of the RRB, it is important to bring in 
independent leadership to the RRB Office of Inspector General. 
I have confidence in Inspector General Wagner to provide that 
independent leadership.
    At a later date, I will be submitting to the Senate my 
nomination of an individual for this position who has my full 
confidence and who meets the appropriate qualifications.
            Sincerely,
                                               Joseph R. Biden, Jr.