The Commission shall include in the Commission’s annual operating budget proposal the amounts recommended for the Office. The budget authorization for the Office shall be approved independently and without the involvement of Commission staff. Subject to budget authorization and adequate funds: the Commission’s general counsel shall provide legal services to the inspector general and may employ special counsel if appropriate or required by law; and the inspector general may employ and be represented by a special legal counsel without consent of the general counsel if the Commission approves of a request after considering any recommendation or comment offered by the general counsel relating to the request.