H.R. 2181

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend of title 5, United States Code, to establish a for-cause removal standard for Inspectors General, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · March 18, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Connolly · Committee: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Table of contents

• H.R. 2181
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. For cause removal standard for Inspectors General

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. For cause removal standard for Inspectors General

• of title 5, United States Code, is amended— Chapter 4
  • in section 403(b)—
    • by striking and inserting:
      • (b) Removal or transfer
        • (1)
          • An
    • in subparagraph (A), as so designated, by inserting after the following: ; and
      • The President may remove an Inspector General only for any of the following grounds (and the documentation of any such ground shall be included in the communication required pursuant to paragraph (1)):
        • Documented permanent incapacity.
        • Documented neglect of duty.
        • Documented malfeasance.
        • Documented conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude.
        • Documented knowing violation of a law or regulation.
        • Documented gross mismanagement.
        • Documented gross waste of funds.
        • Documented abuse of authority.
        • Documented inefficiency.
    • by inserting at the end the following:
  • in section 415(e)(2)—
    • by striking and inserting the following:
      • If
      • An Inspector General may be removed only for any of the following grounds (and the documentation of any such ground shall be included in the communication required pursuant to this paragraph):
        • (i) Documented permanent incapacity.
        • (ii) Documented neglect of duty.
        • (iii) Documented malfeasance.
        • (iv) Documented conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude.
        • (v) Documented knowing violation of a law or regulation.
        • (vi) Documented gross mismanagement.
        • (vii) Documented gross waste of funds.
        • (viii) Documented abuse of authority.
        • (ix) Documented inefficiency.
    • in subparagraph (A), as so designated, by adding at the end the following: