# Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

When the federal government runs out of money and shuts down because Congress hasn't approved a new budget, most government agencies have to stop working. Their employees go home without pay, investigations pause, and services grind to a halt. This bill makes one important exception: it keeps the government's internal watchdogs—called Inspectors General—running even when the money runs out.

Inspectors General are independent officials who investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal agencies. They're the people who catch government employees stealing, uncover wasteful spending, and make sure taxpayer money is being used properly. Right now, when a budget lapse happens, these investigators have to stop their work just like everyone else, which means ongoing investigations into potential crimes or misconduct get put on hold. This bill says that's not acceptable. It allows Inspectors General to keep their offices operating and their staff working during a shutdown, spending money at the same rate they were spending it before the shutdown happened, so they can continue investigating problems.

The practical effect is straightforward: if someone in a federal agency is committing fraud or wasting money, the investigation into that wrongdoing won't stop just because Congress and the President haven't agreed on a budget. The bill essentially treats Inspectors General like essential personnel who need to keep working to protect the public interest, even when the rest of government is temporarily closed. This means taxpayers get continuous oversight of how their money is being spent, rather than having a gap in accountability every time there's a budget dispute.

Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

Connolly, Gerald E.

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 terms 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.