DOT's semi-annual report to Congress

Statistics.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General

I am pleased to present the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s Semiannual Report to Congress for the 6-month period ending September 30, 2007 . I commend the dedicated efforts of DOT OIG staff in promoting the economy and efficiency of DOT programs and operations and in preventing, detecting, and deterring fraud, waste and abuse . The audits and investigations highlighted in this report clearly reflect the breadth and quality of our work, as well as the value our products and services bring to DOT, Congress and the public.

Our audit activities addressed such issues as improving airline customer service, assessing DOT preparations for granting Mexican trucks the authority to operate in the U .S ., quantifying the growth in highway construction and maintenance costs, and identifying information security weaknesses.

Our investigative activities involved matters as diverse as selling fraudulent aircraft parts, falsifying airman medical certificates, rigging bids and falsifying records on highway projects, using substandard construction materials, and illegally transporting hazardous materials . This semiannual period culminated with the issuance of 38 audit reports and 95 recommendations having a financial impact totaling about $38,275,000. In addition, our investigative work resulted in 64 convictions and a total of $122,311,180 in fines, restitutions and recoveries We also testified before Congress on 14 occasions primarily on the safety of our nation’s transportation system, including aviation, highway, motor carrier, and railroad safety.