Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
Plain Language Summary
# Keep the Watchdogs Running Act - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would ensure that federal Inspectors General can continue their work during a government shutdown. Inspectors General are independent watchdog offices within federal agencies responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse of government funds. Currently, when Congress fails to pass a budget and the government shuts down, these offices often must stop work. This bill would allow them to keep operating at normal levels using funds from the most recent budget that was passed, so they can continue monitoring federal agencies even when the rest of government is partially closed. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects federal oversight operations and the agencies they monitor.
It applies to all Inspector General offices across the government. The measure is straightforward: it allows these watchdog offices to spend money and perform their investigative duties for any government programs that remain active during a shutdown. This ensures continuity of oversight of federal spending and employee conduct during budget gaps. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (HR 2180), meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
CRS Official Summary
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act This bill authorizes a federal office of inspector general (OIG) to continue performing its duties during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).During a lapse in appropriations, the OIG may obligate funds (1) at the rate of operations and under the authority and conditions provided in the most recently enacted appropriations act, and (2) to perform its duties with respect to any program that continues during the lapse in appropriations.
Latest Action
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2180, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.