SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

UNITED STATES SENATE

Post-hearing Questions for
Ms. Robin Ashton upon her nomination to be
Inspector General of the Central Intelligence Agency

[From Vice Chairman Rubio]
1. The Committee has been informed that the Acting-CIA IG has already begun an
investigation into the CIA’s handling of workforce-reported Anomalous Health Incidents
(AHI), with a specific focus on the 2016-2018 time frame. Broadening the scope of
review would provide a more complete and informative assessment of the Agency’s
performance.


In your view, is it sufficient to look exclusively at only the first two years of the
CIA’s handling of the AHI issue?

I share the Committee’s deep interest in examining how the Central Intelligence Agency is
handling workforce-reported Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), and sincerely appreciate
the Committee’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the health, well-being, and safety of
all members of the federal workforce. I agree that we must do all that we can to protect
employees from injury or harm resulting from AHI, as there simply is no higher priority
than taking care of the brave public servants who sacrifice so much on a daily basis to serve
our nation.
I agree with the Committee that issues relating to AHI must be thoroughly examined to
determine whether employees’ well-being, safety, and health are being proactively,
aggressively, and fully protected; and also whether failures, weaknesses, or inadequate
processes in responding to such incidents are being swiftly identified, and appropriately
addressed and resolved. If confirmed, I will cooperate with the Committee’s endeavor to
gain a full understanding of the depth and breadth of AHI-related issues. I will also work
with CIA’s leadership, this Committee, and other partners, as appropriate, to help in the
effort to ensure that the most effective measures are being taken to protect CIA’s workforce
with regard to AHI.
I understand that the Committee has been informed that the CIA-OIG has already
commenced a review specifically focusing on a 2016-18 time frame. I appreciate the
Committee’s question concerning whether the scope of that review is sufficiently broad to
provide a complete and informative assessment of the Agency’s performance in responding
to AHI. I do not presently have sufficient information making it possible for me to comment
in a fully informed way on whether the two-year focus of the current review is sufficiently
broad in scope. However, if I am confirmed as the Inspector General of the CIA, I will
immediately focus on that, and related, questions, and begin the process of independently
analyzing whether the scope of the work currently underway should be expanded beyond
two years.
I will communicate with this Committee regarding my assessment and plans going forward,
as appropriate.



Are there any impediments to doing a more expansive review that would cover
at least 2016 to present?

I share the Committee’s resolve that any review currently underway concerning AHI – or
any additional work that may be subsequently undertaken by CIA-OIG – be sufficiently
broad so as to provide meaningful, accurate information and answers to the Committee, the
CIA Director, and other oversight and policy-making partners. Possessing such
information is crucial to informing effective decision making concerning what steps should
be taken to keep employees safe, or how best to provide appropriate assistance and care for
those who may have already suffered harm or injury.
As stated above, if confirmed as the Inspector General of the CIA, I will ensure that,
without delay, I am fully briefed on the review the CIA-OIG currently has underway. If I
determine, based on the information available to me, that an expansion in scope of the
current review beyond the two-year time frame presently contemplated is necessary and
prudent, I will examine whether any challenges or impediments would prevent, hinder, or
delay the CIA-OIG from expanding the focus. I will keep this Committee informed
concerning my determinations and conclusions, and the OIG’s plans, to the fullest extent
possible.
I understand how crucial it is that this Committee obtain salient, accurate, and timely
information concerning AHI, and the significant role the CIA-OIG can play in providing
such information. If confirmed, I look forward to engaging with this Committee and other
partners to address issues relating to AHI as we work together to protect the health, safety,
and well-being of the nation’s public servants.