On June 7, the Senate and House held a joint hearing to investigate the conduct of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Inspector General, Robert Cobb. The hearing was conducted by the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics and Related Matters. Questions raised during the hearing concerned issues including the inspector general's alleged manipulation and interference with investigations, creation of a hostile environment for whistleblowers, and the destruction of records. Debra Herzog, previously Cobb's Deputy Assistant of Investigations, detailed how Cobb allegedly tried to halt or interfere with federal investigations of NASA premises, including the questioning of a search warrant. Cobb was also accused of severe negligence for trying to protect the reputation of the OIG and NASA by failing to investigate the computer theft of NASA rocket engine designs. The estimated damage from the hacking is $1.9 billion and should have been reported to the U.S. State Department immediately. Cobb was also accused of unethically consulting with NASA administrators regarding what matters should be investigated. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) expressed dismay about an inspector general interfering with a federal investigation. Such investigations are to be performed without delay to insure that no incriminating documents are destroyed. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, expressed concern that Cobb seems to give priority to pleasing NASA's top officials as opposed to providing an independent audit and investigation into NASA's activities. There were various allegations that Cobb created a hostile environment for whistleblowers, adding to an unacceptable work environment. Also of concern was the disclosure to NASA management of the names of those who cooperated in investigations into his behavior. A report by the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE), listing the names of NASA employees who complained about Cobb, was somehow disclosed to NASA managers. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) stated in his testimony before the joint committee, "This effectively painted a target on the backs of NASA employees who provided information to PCIE investigators and to Congress." Cobb has also developed an inappropriately close relation with the current general counsel at NASA, Michael Wholey, stated Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Wholey went so far as to destroy a video record of a meeting between the NASA administrator Dr. Michael Griffin, Cobb and the OIG staff, according to Miller. The video supposedly documented an inappropriate encounter in which the administrator instructed the OIG staff as to what they should be doing. "This represents the only time — certainly in the history of the Science and Technology Committee and perhaps the entire Congress — that an agency general counsel has admitted destroying agency records to keep anyone from viewing them," stated Miller. Gordon and Miller, along with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Grassley and McCaskill, called upon Cobb to resign. Cobb told the hearing room that his department's work was of the highest quality and that he was still worthy of his position. "I proudly stand behind the work of the NASA OIG," stated Cobb.