ML20247R884
| ML20247R884 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/28/1989 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Gejdenson S HOUSE OF REP., INTERIOR & INSULAR AFFAIRS |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20247R796 | List: |
| References | |
| FOIA-89-256 NUDOCS 8910020094 | |
| Download: ML20247R884 (1) | |
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UNITED STATES -
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
'g n-y) j W ASHINGTON. D. C. 20555
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February 28, 1989 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sam Gejdenson, Member House Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment Comittee on ' Interior and Insular Affairs Washington, D.C.
20515
Dear Congressman Gejdenson:
I am responding to your letter of February 27, 1989, regarding the proposed termination of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) employee. This personnel action is related to investigations of the Office of Investigations (01) conducted by the Office of Inspector and Auditor (OIA).
In my letter to Chairman Udall of February 27, 1989, I informed him that Judge Rosenthal has agreed to the Comission's reauest to assume the supervisory responsibility for all pending OIA %vestigative matters pertaining to 01. This request was made to a',sure public confidence in the results of the investigation. Judge Rosenthal will have complete inde-pendence in this assignment, and the Comission will-provide the necessary support to assist him.
In discussions regarding 01, Congress has stressed as a fundamental principle that investigators should be free from outside influence in order that they may independently perform their investigative functions. The Comission believes that this principle is equally applicable to 01A investigations of NRC employees. The Commission also believes that any interference with, or compromise of, an ongoing investigation, either in fact or in appearance, should be avoided.
Although the NRC has made concerted efforts to be fully responsive to Congressional requests for information, we are concerned about maintaining the integrity of our investigative processes.
In this regard, premature disclosure of the specifics of investigations may jeopardize their outcome.
Furthermore, we believe Judge Rosenthal, having only just assumed super-visory responsibility". 5 this matter, should be provided with the.ne OIA in opportunity to revie wide distribution.
Accordingly, the Comission respectfully request, that the Comittee defer its requests for information on any ongoing investigation pending comple-tion of the investigations. Once these activities are completed, the l
Comission will make the appropriate individuals available to discuss this l
matter.
Sincerely, l
j 8910020094 890928 h
A OZ 256 PDR Lando W. Ze Jr. y
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cc: Rep. Morris K. Udall Rep. James V. Hansen