When Congress raced to pass a $2 trillion rescue package for an American economy collapsing amid the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers added a series of protections against corruption
When Congress doles out massive amounts of taxpayer money at breakneck speed, safeguards against abuse, waste and graft aren't always airtight.
Congress' main oversight tool is a new, five-member panel that is charged with monitoring a $500 billion fund for distressed industries operated by Mnuchin, in partnership with the Federal Reserve. The four top congressional leaders each get an appointee, with the chair picked by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Though the commission has a similar mandate to some of the other mechanisms in the law, this is the main channel through which Congress can apply a real-time check on the Trump administration. The panel is authorized to hold public hearings, tap experts for insight and spotlight the effectiveness of Mnuchin's decisions.
Eight other inspectors general were required to be part of his panel — including the watchdogs of the Justice Department, Health and Human Services Department and Small Business Administration — but Fine on Wednesday added another dozen, including the inspectors general of the Federal Reserve, the Department of Transportation, NASA and the special inspector general for pandemic recovery who will be appointed by Trump.
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