HUD Inspector General Nominee Promises Independent Oversight, Cites Past Recoveries

Mr. Ledbetter, the nominee to be inspector general at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, told the committee he brings 36 years of federal law‑enforcement and IG experience and pledged to perform "timely, thorough, objective and independent oversight" if confirmed. He cited prior work supervising investigations that returned more than $100,000,000 to the federal government.

Several senators raised concerns that HUD has delayed dispersing congressionally appropriated housing funds and asked whether the inspector general would monitor and report such delays to Congress. Ledbetter said he would commit to reviewing matters raised by senators and staff, meeting with HUD professional staff, and reporting violations that fall within the IG’s responsibilities.

Ledbetter emphasized his background in the inspector‑general community and his commitment to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring funds reach their intended targets. He said his first 90 to 180 days, if confirmed, would focus on meeting staff and assessing current audit and oversight efforts before identifying potential improvements.

The committee concluded the hearing without a vote; senators may submit additional questions for the record under the committee’s established deadlines.