Blackwater Investigator Quits State Department

ABC News’ Kirit Radia Reports: The State Department’s controversial Inspector General Howard Krongard turned his resignation into the White House Friday morning.

"We thank him for his service," said State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos.

Krongard had been criticized for allegedly impeding investigations into the private security firm Blackwater.  It was later revealed that his brother served on Blackwater’s board, which prompted Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to threaten to haul both brothers before his committee to explain.

On November 16 Krongard’s lawyer provided notes and phone records suggesting Krongard had no knowledge of his brother’s position at Blackwater and urged the committee not to hold a hearing. "There is not legitimate legislative purpose to be gained by publicly pitting two brothers against each other," Krongard’s lawyer Barbara Van Gelder wrote.

Krongard was also accused of impeding investigations into politically sensitive cases and threatening staffers who pushed for investigations into contractor waste in the construction of the over $700-million U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

In response to various allegations leveled at him, Krongard wrote in an October 2 letter to Chairman Waxman, "I emphatically deny that I have engaged in any wrongdoing."

In his resignation letter to President Bush, provided by his lawyer, Krongard offers no specific reason for his resignation, but expresses unexplained concerns about "structural and conceptual defects in the inspector general position."

Krongard also condemns the political climate in Washington, writing: "Of even greater concern to me is the grave threat to public service posed by the current rancor and distrust between and among the political parties, the legislative and executive branches of government, the media, and various interest groups."

"I leave with a  feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment at having promoted efficiency, accountability and positive change at the Department of State," Krongard wrote.

In response to Krongard’s resignation, Waxman issued a statement saying, "Mr. Krongard’s decision removes an enormous distraction from the Inspector General’s office and will allow the office to focus on its important oversight responsibilities. The Committee will certainly take this new development into account."