Senate investigators to launch a bipartisan inquiry into Social Security watchdog division

The Senate Finance Committee plans to launch a bipartisan inquiry into the Social Security Administration’s watchdog division amid concerns about whether it has adequately addressed problems within the agency it monitors. 

Congressional aides told the Washington Post the committee will focus on such issues as allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers, plummeting morale and staff attrition within the agency – all of which should be investigated by its inspector general's office

"The committee has grown increasingly concerned about the performance of the Social Security Inspector General’s office over the past year, especially allegations of whistleblower retaliation," said a spokesman for committee Chairman Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat.