Briefing with the Principal Deputy Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services

Chairwoman Maloney's Opening Statement

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the Committee on Oversight and Reform, chaired by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, will hold a video briefing for Members with Christi Grimm, the Principal Deputy Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS IG).

Since the enactment of the Inspector General Act of 1978, IGs have audited and investigated federal agencies to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. IGs are more critical now than ever as they work to ensure proper and effective use of the largest stimulus package in the history of our nation. The HHS IG alone is tasked with conducting oversight over the $175 billion in emergency relief funding provided to HHS by the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

The briefing will address the HHS IG's April 6, 2020, report on the resource challenges hospitals have been facing during the crisis, including shortages of testing supplies, PPE, and other critical medical supplies. The report warned that "severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results limited hospitals' ability to monitor the health of patients and staff" and "hampered hospitals' efforts to reduce community spread, protect staff, and care for patients."

The briefing also will address the HHS IG's planned work to review and report on other aspects of the Administration's coronavirus response, including testing, the Strategic National Stockpile, the health and safety of HHS employees, and the Department's emergency preparedness throughout the pandemic.