H.R. 2180 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Mar 18, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows inspectors general to work during shutdowns
Ever wondered who keeps an eye on federal agencies to make sure they're spending money properly and following the rules. Those watchdogs are called inspectors general, or OIGs. This bill says that if the government shuts down because Congress can't agree on a budget, these inspectors general can still do their jobs and pay their staff using money from the previous budget.
How it affects you
This mainly affects federal employees who work as inspectors general and the agencies they oversee. It means oversight of the government continues even when there's a shutdown, so there's someone still checking to make sure taxpayer money is being used correctly and laws are being followed during that time.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 18, 2025)
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2180
A BILL
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) · Introduced Mar 18, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Nov 20, 2025: “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.”