Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025

This bill aims to protect federal watchdogs, known as Inspectors General, from being fired without a clear, documented reason. It sets a “for cause” rule. That means the President could remove an Inspector General only for specific, listed reasons, and must include written documentation of that reason in the notice of removal. The bill’s short title is “Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025”.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Federal Inspectors General and the officials who can remove them.
• What changes: Removal is allowed only for documented reasons like permanent incapacity, neglect of duty, malfeasance, felony or moral turpitude, knowing violation of law or regulation, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or inefficiency. The documentation must be included in the required communication about the removal.