Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act
The Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act would create a new Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid (SIG-UMEHA) to independently audit and investigate U.S. programs funded for Ukraine. Its goal is to ensure efficient, transparent use of aid and to detect waste, fraud, and abuse across military, economic, and humanitarian assistance provided since February 24, 2022. The SIG-UMEHA would report to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense (with strong independence to conduct audits and investigations) and would coordinate with other federal Inspectors General. The office would have substantial powers, including subpoenas, contractor authority, and public quarterly reporting, and would be funded with a dedicated appropriation of $20 million for FY 2026, with a planned termination once certain unspent funds fall below a threshold. sponsored by Senator Kennedy, introduced in the 119th Congress, and referred to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Key Points
- 1Establishment of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid (SIG-UMEHA) to conduct independent audits and investigations of Ukraine aid programs and related contracts and operations.
- 2Independence and access: SIG-UMEHA reports to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense but has authority to initiate audits/investigations and issue subpoenas; federal agencies cannot block its work.
- 3Scope and duties: Oversight covers funds and activities since February 24, 2022, including obligations/expenditures, reconstruction activities, contracts, transfers to private entities, coordination with Ukraine and other donors, and potential overpayments or misconduct; may refer cases to the Department of Justice.
- 4Reporting and transparency: Requires quarterly public, unclassified reports with detailed financial and contract information; publishes reports in English, Ukrainian, and Russian; allows for limited classified annexes; includes opportunity for State/Defense comments.
- 5Funding and termination: Authorized $20 million for FY 2026; a portion of prior Ukrainian aid funds is to be rescinded; the office terminates 180 days after unspent reconstruction funds drop below $250 million, with a final forensic audit before termination.