Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

This bill makes sure federal watchdogs—offices of inspectors general—can keep working during a government shutdown. It lets them continue oversight, like checking for waste, fraud, and abuse, even if new funding hasn’t been passed yet. During a shutdown, they can use funds at the same pace and under the same rules as the most recent budget to oversee any programs that are still operating.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Federal agencies with inspectors general, and the public that relies on government oversight.
• What changes: Inspectors general can keep working and spend funds at the prior approved rate to oversee programs that continue during a shutdown.
• When it applies: Only during a lapse in appropriations (a government shutdown).