Correspondence

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This letter is in response to a May 19, 2020, letter from Chairwoman Maloney and Chairmen DeFazio and Connolly regarding Howard R. “Skip” Elliott’s designation by President Donald J. Trump to serve as Acting Inspector General of the Department of Transportation. Acting Inspector General Elliott stated that he is honored by the opportunity to fill the role of Acting Inspector General and that he intends to remain in the position until a permanent Inspector General is confirmed or he is otherwise directed by the President. In addition, he confirmed that Mitch Behm will continue to serve as the Deputy Inspector General, a position he has held for more than 4 years. Acting Inspector General Elliott wrote that he holds a deep respect for the mission and role of OIG and that he will perform his duties with the utmost integrity and without any inappropriate influence or interference with OIG’s ongoing or planned work. To that end, Acting Inspector General Elliott stated that he is recusing himself from any audit or investigative matters that pertain directly to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), where he will continue to serve as Administrator. He stated that he asked Deputy Inspector General Behm to provide the information Chairwoman Maloney and Chairmen DeFazio and Connolly requested on OIG’s ongoing work in a separate correspondence. Acting Inspector General Elliott also confirmed that he has not directed or requested the modification of any audit or investigation since his appointment on May 15, 2020.