The BEACON Act would create a new Inspector General position within the Executive Office of the President to oversee and audit presidential operations for fraud, waste, and abuse. The President would appoint this Inspector General within 120 days of the law's passage, following standard appointment procedures. However, the President retains significant control over the office, including the power to prohibit investigations into matters involving confidential sources, intelligence, or undercover operations—though such prohibitions must be reported to Congress within 30 days with stated reasons. The Inspector General would be required to submit semiannual reports to Congress certifying whether they have full access to needed information and documenting any blocked investigations. Additionally, the bill directs the Inspector General to conduct two evaluations over two years assessing whether the Executive Office properly handles classified information and to submit reports identifying any over-classification problems.
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