Lawmakers and watchdogs raise alarm over firing of VA inspector general and reported outsider access to VA data

Several members of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and an outside watchdog said the recent removal of multiple inspectors general — including the Department of Veterans Affairs’ former inspector general — and reports of outside contractors accessing VA offices raise oversight and legal concerns.

Donald Sherman, Executive Director and Chief Counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), testified that inspector general independence is critical and said the recent removals were improper. “Provisions of the bipartisan securing inspector general independence act require the president to provide Congress with 30 days notice and an explanation before firing an IG,” Sherman said. He told the subcommittee CREW had filed a lawsuit related to outside contractor activities earlier in the month.

Ranking Member Ramirez and other Democrats also criticized the firings and questioned whether outside contractors affiliated with private companies had been given improper access to VA central office or veteran data. Ramirez said she would ask the new acting inspector general to investigate reports that non-government personnel associated with Elon Musk visited VA central office and accessed veteran data, calling such access “an abuse of power” if confirmed.

Why it matters. Inspectors general provide independent oversight of federal agencies; members said abrupt removals and outside access to data could undermine transparency and veterans’ privacy. Sherman and Ramirez urged rapid inquiry into both the legality of the removals and the circumstances of private-party access to VA systems or data.

What the subcommittee will do. Ranking Member Ramirez said she would request an investigation by the inspector general and indicated the committee would continue to press for answers about who accessed VA data, which officials met with outside contractors and whether legal protocols were followed.

Ending. The hearing closed with members pledging ongoing oversight and with Democrats in particular urging prompt investigations into the IG removals and outsider access to VA systems and data.