Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) urged Congress to support his proposal to establish a Special Inspector General (IG) dedicated to monitoring American aid to Ukraine. Kennedy emphasized the need for increased oversight and accountability as Ukraine faces Russian aggression.

Kennedy highlighted that the United States currently lacks a specific IG focused solely on ensuring transparency and accountability in aid to Ukraine. He stated, "One thing—regardless of what you think about Ukraine—I think we can all agree on is that we have to watch that money like a hawk. We cannot allow it to be stolen. We cannot allow it to be wasted. . . . Nothing in this world makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper upbringing, a strong set of values and witnesses. We need more witnesses."

He further emphasized the importance of having a single Inspector General, appointed by the president and confirmed by the United States Senate, to oversee the funds allocated to Ukraine. Kennedy proposed that the Inspector General at the Department of Defense, the Inspector General of the State Department, and the Inspector General of USAID should work under the purview of the proposed Special IG.

Kennedy drew attention to the successful establishment of a Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction in the past, which effectively identified corruption in the country. He argued that a similar approach should be applied to Ukraine, stating, "We need one person to hold accountable, just like we did in Afghanistan. The American people—regardless of how they feel about funding in Ukraine—and members of the United States Senate—regardless of how they feel about the war in Ukraine—surely, we can agree that we will all rest easily, or at least easier, if we follow the money."

The Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act, introduced by Kennedy in February, aims to establish a Special IG in Ukraine. The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). The bill seeks to create an independent Special IG for Ukraine, equipped with its own resources and staff, separate from any other agency.

Robert Storch, currently serving as the IG for the Department of Defense, has been selected as the Lead IG for Ukraine. However, Kennedy's bill proposes a dedicated IG solely focused on Ukraine, rather than relying on an IG who has other responsibilities.

Kennedy's call for a Special IG in Ukraine has garnered support from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, who believes that it would send a strong message about the commitment to oversight. The previous establishment of a Special IG for Afghanistan Reconstruction successfully exposed corruption and served as a deterrent to misconduct.

For more information, watch Sen. John Kennedy's speech here.