Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Social Security IG: 'Court-ordered Restitutions for Individuals Convicted of Social Security Fraud'
WOODLAWN, Maryland, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 042302) on May 26, 2026 entitled "Court-ordered Restitutions for Individuals Convicted of Social Security Fraud."
Here is the summary:
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Objective
To determine whether Social Security Administration (SSA) employees properly recorded and monitored the collection of court-ordered restitutions for individuals convicted of Social Security fraud.
Background
Courts may order individuals convicted of Social Security fraud to repay SSA for illegally obtained funds, known as
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 042302) on May 26, 2026 entitled "Court-ordered Restitutions for Individuals Convicted of Social Security Fraud."
Here is the summary:
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Objective
To determine whether Social Security Administration (SSA) employees properly recorded and monitored the collection of court-ordered restitutions for individuals convicted of Social Security fraud.
Background
Courts may order individuals convicted of Social Security fraud to repay SSA for illegally obtained funds, known ascourt-ordered restitution. SSA employees must monitor and control the collection of restitutions until the full overpayment has been refunded or otherwise resolved.
In our 2019 audit of The Social Security Administration's Accounting for, and Monitoring of, Court-ordered Restitutions (A-04-18-50633), we found SSA did not have adequate controls to ensure it recorded and monitored the collection of restitutions. We recommended SSA develop a tracking system to record and monitor restitutions. In response, SSA implemented a tracking tool for restitutions and documented existing restitutions in the tool.
We reviewed (1) 66 restitutions from a population of 1,506 restitutions ordered in Fiscal Years 2018 through 2023 and established in SSA's restitution tracking tool and (2) 10 of the 25 erroneously processed restitutions from our 2019 review to determine whether SSA employees properly recorded and monitored the collection of the restitutions.
Results
Of the 66 restitutions we reviewed, SSA employees properly recorded and monitored the collection of 43 (65 percent) and collected approximately $2.1 million. However, employees did not properly record, or may not have monitored the collection of, 23 (35 percent) restitutions. As of January 2025, SSA had not collected outstanding balances totaling approximately $1.1 million for these restitutions. Based on our results, we estimate SSA employees did not properly record and/or monitor the collection of approximately $18.6 million in restitutions. We were unable to determine why employees did not take the required steps to record and monitor the collection of these restitutions because there was not enough documentation in SSA's systems.
For these 66 restitutions, we also determined SSA employees did not send appropriate overpayment notices to 18 individuals who were ordered to make restitutions.
Finally, of the 10 restitutions we reviewed from our prior audit, SSA employees did not properly record, or may not have monitored the collection of, 4 with outstanding balances totaling approximately $126,000. We were unable to determine why employees did not follow policy to properly monitor the collection of these restitutions.
Conclusion
It is crucial that SSA employees record restitutions on the Master Beneficiary Record and/or Supplemental Security Record and perform all required monitoring activities to maximize the likelihood of recovering overpaid funds. If SSA does not ensure its employees record all restitutions in its systems as required, employees may be unaware of these restitutions. Further, when SSA employees do not properly monitor the restitutions, the Agency may never collect the overpaid funds. If SSA does not improve its efforts to monitor the collection of restitutions, the Agency is at risk of potentially not recovering millions of dollars in restitution ordered by the court as a result of fraud.
Recommendations
We made three recommendations to SSA to help ensure employees properly record and monitor the collection of courtordered restitutions. SSA agreed to implement our recommendations.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/042302.pdf
NAM Emerging Leaders Scholars Named in Honor of Departing President Victor J. Dzau
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM Emerging Leaders Scholars Named in Honor of Departing President Victor J. Dzau
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that professionals selected for its flagship leadership development program will henceforth be known as Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars. The NAM's governing Council approved the designation in recognition of the extraordinary contributions of Victor J. Dzau, MD, the NAM's first elected president.
After assuming leadership of what was
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WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM Emerging Leaders Scholars Named in Honor of Departing President Victor J. Dzau
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that professionals selected for its flagship leadership development program will henceforth be known as Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars. The NAM's governing Council approved the designation in recognition of the extraordinary contributions of Victor J. Dzau, MD, the NAM's first elected president.
After assuming leadership of what wasthen called the Institute of Medicine in 2014, Dzau guided the NAM through a period of significant growth and impact, advancing its role as a trusted source of evidence-based guidance and a convener of leaders across health, medicine, science, and policy.
In 2016, he established the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine (ELHM) program to enhance leadership skills and opportunities for exemplary early- and midcareer professionals and engage them in the work of the NAM and the National Academies.
"Dr. Dzau has long believed that investing in future leaders is essential to advancing health and well-being for all," said Linda S. McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, Vice Chair of the NAM Council. "Thanks to his tireless fundraising efforts and generous contributions from NAM members, the Emerging Leaders program now has more than $5 million in enduring support."
Visit the ELHM program webpage for more information and to see current Dzau Scholars and alumni.
Media inquiries: Molly Galvin (mgalvin@nas.edu)
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Original text here: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/emerging-leaders-scholars-victor-j-dzau/
Inter-American Development Bank: Exports From Latin America and the Caribbean Rise 15.7% in Early 2026, Extending Growth Trend
WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSrep) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean Rise 15.7% in Early 2026, Extending Growth Trend
The value of goods exported from Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 15.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, building on 7.8% growth in 2025, according to the latest edition of "Trade Trends Estimates - Latin America and the Caribbean," a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The increase reflects faster growth in both export volumes and prices. Regional export growth
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WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSrep) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean Rise 15.7% in Early 2026, Extending Growth Trend
The value of goods exported from Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 15.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, building on 7.8% growth in 2025, according to the latest edition of "Trade Trends Estimates - Latin America and the Caribbean," a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The increase reflects faster growth in both export volumes and prices. Regional export growthwas driven primarily by mining products, particularly gold and copper, and strong performance in agribusiness products such as soybeans, coffee, and meat. Oil exports also contributed significantly.
"The region continues to strengthen its export performance and is demonstrating a growing capacity to adapt, even amid an uncertain, volatile global trade environment," said Paolo Giordano, principal economist in the IDB's Productivity, Trade, and Innovation Sector and coordinator of the report.
This export momentum creates an opportunity to advance reforms that boost productivity and competitiveness, diversify participation in international markets, and strengthen resilience to external shocks.
The region's trade outlook remains positive despite a highly uncertain environment. Changes in global prices could place additional pressure on countries that import energy and food, while benefiting commodity exporters. However, higher fertilizer and transportation prices could impact production and marketing costs, creating both opportunities and risks for the region's export performance in the coming months.
Total imports in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by an estimated 6.7% in 2025 and 9.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. This acceleration was driven mainly by purchases from outside the region, while intraregional trade expanded more moderately.
Commodity prices followed divergent trends in 2026, reflecting growing fragmentation and shifts in global supply and demand.
Table: Prices of Latin America and the Caribbean's Main Export Products
(Year-on-year growth rate, January - April 2026)
Variation in export values
(Annual growth rate, percentages, 1Q 2026 and 2025)
COUNTRY/SUBREGION ... 1Q 2026 ... 2025
SOUTH AMERICA ... 13.2 ... 7.2
Argentina ... 16.9 ... 9.3
Bolivia ... 100.2 ... 8.3
Brazil ... 7.1 ... 3.3
Chile ... 13.8 ... 11.6
Colombia ... 15.5 ... 1.3
Ecuador ... 1.0 ... 7.9
Paraguay ... 19.7 ... 1.5
Peru ... 33.5 ... 22.1
Uruguay ... 9.9 ... 9.2
Venezuela ... -8.7 ... 0.3
MESOAMERICA ... 17.3 ... 8.0
Mexico ... 17.9 ... 7.6
CENTRAL AMERICA ... 12.6 ... 11.0
Costa Rica ... 6.4 ... 13.8
El Salvador ... 3.6 ... 1.9
Guatemala ... 5.2 ... 7.1
Honduras ... 11.5 ... 10.4
Nicaragua ... 42.3 ... 15.4
Panama ... 0.7 ... 36.9
Dominican Republic ... 18.3 ... 11.3
CARIBBEAN ... n.d. ... 17.9
Bahamas ... n.d. ... -3.2
Barbados ... 0.1 ... -6.5
Belize ... -9.1 ... -15.2
Guyana ... 37.0 ... 20.8
Jamaica ... n.d. ... -11.6
Suriname ... n.d. ... 136.8
Trinidad and Tobago ... n.d. ... 5.1
LATIN AMERICA ... 15.4 ... 7.6
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN ... 15.7 ... 7.8
Source: IDB Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector based on official national sources.
Notes: See Methodological Note for further information on the procedures, time periods, and data sources used in the estimates. The arrows indicate the change in trend compared to the previous year.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en.
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View report here: https://publications.iadb.org/en/trade-trends-estimates-latin-america-and-caribbean-2026-edition-q1-update
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/exports-latin-america-and-caribbean-rise-157-early-2026-extending-growth-trend
EPA IG: Results of Site Visit to the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site on Bainbridge Island, Washington
WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0035) on June 9, 2026 entitled "Results of Site Visit to the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site on Bainbridge Island, Washington."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We visited the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund site on Bainbridge Island, Washington, to observe the EPA's management of public access to the site, including contaminated beaches. Through our visit, we aimed to determine whether we should conduct additional oversight.
Summary of Findings
Prior
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WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0035) on June 9, 2026 entitled "Results of Site Visit to the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site on Bainbridge Island, Washington."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We visited the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund site on Bainbridge Island, Washington, to observe the EPA's management of public access to the site, including contaminated beaches. Through our visit, we aimed to determine whether we should conduct additional oversight.
Summary of Findings
Priorto our visit we identified concerns about public access to the site, but during our visit we observed physical access controls and informational devices that should effectively limit public exposure to contaminants. Therefore, we do not anticipate conducting additional oversight at this time.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-results-site-visit-wyckoffeagle-harbor-superfund-site-bainbridge
EPA IG: Management Alert: Alteration of the EPA's Grants Management Plan 2021-2025
WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0034) on June 1, 2026 entitled "Management Alert: Alteration of the EPA's Grants Management Plan 2021-2025."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
In November 2025, while planning for future grant audits, an OIG audit team could not find the 2021-2025 plan among the EPA's online resources and inquired about it with the Office of Finance and Administration. Following that inquiry, the EPA made an updated 2021-2025 plan with changes publicly available through
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WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0034) on June 1, 2026 entitled "Management Alert: Alteration of the EPA's Grants Management Plan 2021-2025."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
In November 2025, while planning for future grant audits, an OIG audit team could not find the 2021-2025 plan among the EPA's online resources and inquired about it with the Office of Finance and Administration. Following that inquiry, the EPA made an updated 2021-2025 plan with changes publicly available throughits grants web page.
Summary of Findings
The updated plan does not note that the EPA changed the original publication. As a result, readers could erroneously conclude that the updated plan 1) is the same plan released by the former acting assistant administrator whose name and photograph appear on the foreword and 2) accurately reflects the message of the 21 Agency senior resource officials named in the plan.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-management-alert-alteration-epas-grants-management-plan-2021-2025
EPA IG: Inspection of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-Funded Activities at Diaz Chemical Corp. Superfund Site in Holley, New York
WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-E-0036) on June 16, 2026 entitled "Inspection of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-Funded Activities at Diaz Chemical Corp. Superfund Site in Holley, New York."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We conducted this inspection to determine the extent to which the EPA is using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, funds to progress remediation at the Diaz Chemical Corp. Superfund site and whether the EPA has site safety measures in place to protect
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WASHINGTON, June 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-E-0036) on June 16, 2026 entitled "Inspection of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-Funded Activities at Diaz Chemical Corp. Superfund Site in Holley, New York."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We conducted this inspection to determine the extent to which the EPA is using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, funds to progress remediation at the Diaz Chemical Corp. Superfund site and whether the EPA has site safety measures in place to protectpublic health and the environment.
Summary of Findings
The EPA has acted swiftly to address past complaints from the public, but conducting community interviews during five-year reviews would allow the EPA to confirm that there are no community concerns. Also, updating the community involvement plan and making it publicly available would ensure that the EPA's approaches for community engagement remain relevant.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-inspection-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-funded-activities
Amtrak IG: 'Technology: Results of Audit Assessing the Company's Governance and Security of Its Cloud Applications'
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. OIG-A-2026-006) on June 9, 2026 entitled "Technology: Results of Audit Assessing the Company's Governance and Security of Its Cloud Applications."
Here are excerpts:
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Amtrak (the company) has been moving its technology systems and data to the cloud to provide on-demand access to shared services and reduce its dependence on in-house servers and databases. Migrating applications and data to the cloud, however, poses inherent security risks, exposing the company
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WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. OIG-A-2026-006) on June 9, 2026 entitled "Technology: Results of Audit Assessing the Company's Governance and Security of Its Cloud Applications."
Here are excerpts:
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Amtrak (the company) has been moving its technology systems and data to the cloud to provide on-demand access to shared services and reduce its dependence on in-house servers and databases. Migrating applications and data to the cloud, however, poses inherent security risks, exposing the companyto an increased risk of cyberattacks. Accordingly, our objective was to assess the extent to which the company has implemented effective governance processes and security controls for cloud computing. In July 2025, we issued an interim report on this audit to alert the company to two pressing cybersecurity issues related to its cloud computing. In this report, we provide an update on the company's progress on these issues and an overall assessment of its cloud computing practices. Given the sensitive nature of the report's information, however, we are summarizing the results in this public version of the report.
Our assessment of the company's governance processes and security controls of its cloud applications resulted in nine recommendations. In commenting on a draft of this report, the Executive Vice President for Digital Technology and Innovation agreed with our recommendations and described ongoing and planned actions to address them.
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View full report at https://amtrakoig.gov/audit-documents/audit-reports/technology-results-audit-assessing-companys-governance-and-security
