Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
The Keep the Watchdogs Running Act would amend the federal law governing Inspectors General (IGs) to allow them to continue operating during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, it authorizes IGs to incur obligations in advance of new appropriations for the necessary level of operations, using the authority, rates, and conditions provided in the most recently enacted appropriations acts. This would let IG offices perform their duties for programs and operations that continue during a lapse, even when the rest of the government is funded only at prior levels. The change is aimed at preserving IG oversight during funding gaps and would override other laws as needed to maintain those functions. Note: The bill is introduced in the 119th Congress and is attributed to Rep. Connolly in the introduced text; it is labeled as “Keep the Watchdogs Running Act” and would be added to Section 406(g) of title 5, U.S. Code.
Key Points
- 1Creates new authority for Inspectors General to incur obligations in advance of appropriations during a lapse in funding.
- 2Obligations may be incurred at necessary amounts and at the operation rates provided by the most recently enacted appropriations acts.
- 3IGs may perform duties for any program and operation of the establishment that continues during the lapse.
- 4The authority is stated to be in addition to, and not limited by, other authorities, and is provided “notwithstanding any other provision of law.”
- 5The bill is introduced in the House (sponsor listed as Rep. Connolly in the introduced text) and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.