Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025

Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025 would rewrite the removal rules for Inspectors General (IGs) by establishing a for-cause standard. Under the bill, the President could remove an IG only for specifically listed grounds, and must include documented evidence of the cited ground in the formal removal communication. The grounds cover issues such as permanent incapacity, neglect of duty, malfeasance, felony or moral turpitude, knowing violations of law or regulation, and various forms of mismanagement or abuse. The bill also extends this for-cause standard to the IGs’ transfer/removal process, requiring the same documentation and grounds to apply when considering removal in connection with transfers. The overall intent is to tighten accountability for IGs while ensuring removals are supported by documented, specified criteria.