The dismissals appeared to violate federal law, which requires Congress to receive 30 days’ notice of any intent to fire a Senate-confirmed inspector general.

Several key U.S. Senate Republicans on Sunday defended President Donald Trump'sdecision to fire independent government watchdogs across at least 17 federal agencies, even though the move ran afoul of federal law.

"The American people, if we don't have good and independent inspector generals, are going to see the swamp refill," Schiff said.