A million dollar DHS whistleblower settlement sparks more questions from Congress

Congress is raising questions about a $1.17 million whistleblower settlement for a former Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General employee.

The former employee brought forward concerns about Inspector General Joseph Cuffari. 

The settlement occurred earlier this month, but was made public on Thursday by the Project on Government Oversight.

According to The Hill, the settlement claims that Cuffari did nothing wrong, but the ex-employee, Jennifer Costello, received a massive whistleblower reprisal payment.

The investigation into the situation had recorded a number of clashes between the two employees, and Cuffari reportedly asked Congress for a $1.4 million contract to investigate Costello and other employees. 

Congress is now questioning if Cuffari misled them by asking for that much money. 

The settlement Costello received is the largest settlement given to an employee of an inspector general office.

According to a letter obtained by The Hill, lawmakers plan to investigate the deal.