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Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, wrote to Paul Smedberg, the Chairman of the WMATA Board, to urge the Board to take specific actions to ensure the independence of the WMATA Office of Inspector General (OIG).

“I write to share my concern regarding the governance mechanisms currently in place that could hinder the independence of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), "wrote Connolly in his letter. “Ensuring robust, independent oversight is paramount for maintaining public trust and delivering a safe and reliable transit system. To this end, I respectfully request that the WMATA Board take immediate action on several critical issues.”

Specifically, Connolly urged the Board to take the following steps:

1. Request that the new, permanent WMATA Inspector General report on the status of the independence reforms that were required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
2. Reverse the Board’s November 2022 decision that shortened the term of the Inspector General.
3. Adopt policies and procedures that require "for cause" removal of an Inspector General.

“Taking these actions will significantly improve the governance and oversight of WMATA, fostering greater accountability, transparency, and public trust,” Connolly concluded. “I look forward to your prompt attention to these matters and stand ready to assist in any way necessary to ensure their swift implementation.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chair Smedberg,

I write to share my concern regarding the governance mechanisms currently in place that could hinder the independence of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Ensuring robust, independent oversight is paramount for maintaining public trust and delivering a safe and reliable transit system. To this end, I respectfully request that the WMATA Board take immediate action on several critical issues.

The WMATA Board should request that the new, permanent WMATA Inspector General report on the status of the independence reforms that were required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58). These reforms are vital to strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the OIG. As you know, the WMATA OIG previously reported to Congress that WMATA had not taken sufficient steps to implement key independence reforms required by the IIJA. It is my understanding that WMATA has taken some corrective actions in response to that report. An updated report from the new WMATA Inspector General, who started her term on June 17, 2024, would provide transparency and allow the new Inspector General to evaluate the implementation status of these important reforms.

The WMATA Board should also reverse its November 2022 decision to shorten the term of the Inspector General. The previous policy, which allowed the Inspector General to serve one five-year term with two optional additional terms, should be reinstated. The current policy of appointing the Inspector General to a single three-year term with one-year renewals undermines the independence required for the OIG to conduct thorough and effective oversight. A term of just one year does not provide the stability or autonomy necessary for the Inspector General to perform their duties without undue influence or pressure.

The WMATA Board should adopt policies and procedures that require "for cause" removal of an Inspector General. Such policies would align with the guidance provided by The Association of Inspectors General. The forced departures of the last two WMATA Inspectors General underscore the need for clear and stringent "for cause" removal requirements. Implementing these policies would help ensure that removal decisions are transparent, made in the best interest of the transit system, and based on legitimate and well-documented reasons.

Taking these actions will significantly improve the governance and oversight of WMATA, fostering greater accountability, transparency, and public trust. I look forward to your prompt attention to these matters and stand ready to assist in any way necessary to ensure their swift implementation.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,