A joint resolution commending the Inspectors General for their efforts to prevent and detect waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, and to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the Federal Government during the past 25 years.
PL 108-139 (S.J.Res.18), enacted 12/01/2003

117 STAT. 1870
PUBLIC LAW 108–139—DEC. 1, 2003
Public Law 108–139
108th Congress
Joint Resolution
Commending the Inspectors General for their efforts to prevent and detect waste,
fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, and to promote economy, efficiency, and effec-
tiveness in the Federal Government during the past 25 years.
Whereas the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) was
signed into law on October 12, 1978, with overwhelming bipar-
tisan support;
Whereas Inspectors General now exist in the 29 largest executive
branch agencies and in 28 other designated Federal entities;
Whereas Inspectors General work to serve the American taxpayer
by promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in
the administration of the programs and operations of the Federal
Government;
Whereas Inspectors General conduct audits and investigations to
both prevent and detect waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement
in the programs and operations of the Federal Government;
Whereas Inspectors General make Congress and agency heads
aware, through semiannual reports and other communications,
of problems and deficiencies in the administration of programs
and operations of the Federal Government;
Whereas Congress and agency heads utilize the recommendations
of Inspectors General in the development and implementation
of policies that promote economy and efficiency in the administra-
tion of, or prevent and detect waste, fraud, abuse, and mis-
management in, the programs and operations of the Federal
Government;
Whereas Federal employees and other dedicated citizens report
information to Inspectors General regarding the possible existence
of an activity constituting a violation of law, rules, or regulations,
or mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority,
or a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety;
Whereas Inspector General audits and investigations result in
annual recommendations for more effective spending of billions
of taxpayer dollars, thousands of successful criminal prosecutions,
hundreds of millions of dollars returned to the United States
Treasury through investigative recoveries, and the suspension
and debarment of thousands of individuals or entities from doing
business with the Government; and
Whereas for 25 years the Inspectors General have worked with
Congress to facilitate effective oversight to improve the programs
and operations of the Federal Government: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress—
Dec. 1, 2003
[S.J. Res. 18]
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117 STAT. 1871
PUBLIC LAW 108–139—DEC. 1, 2003
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 18 (H.J. Res. 70):
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 149 (2003):
Oct. 14, considered and passed Senate.
Nov. 17, considered and passed House.
(1) recognizes the many accomplishments of the Inspectors
General in preventing and detecting waste, fraud, abuse, and
mismanagement in the Federal Government;
(2) commends the Inspectors General and their employees
for the dedication and professionalism displayed in the perform-
ance of their duties; and
(3) reaffirms the role of Inspectors General in promoting
economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration
of the programs and operations of the Federal Government.
Approved December 1, 2003.
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