Federal

Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

Source: Congress.gov · 340 words in original text

What This Bill Does

This bill allows Inspectors General (officials who investigate and oversee government agencies) to keep working and spending money even when the government runs out of appropriated funds (money Congress has approved to spend). The bill lets these watchdog offices continue their operations during a funding gap by allowing them to spend money before getting new appropriations.

Who It Affects

Inspectors General offices at federal agencies continue their operations during funding lapses.

Key Provisions

• Inspectors General may spend money in advance of appropriations during a covered lapse in appropriations (a period when Congress has not approved new funding) to perform their duties (Sec. 2) • The spending rate for these operations must match the rate provided in the most recently enacted appropriations Acts (the most recent laws that approved government spending) (Sec. 2) • Inspectors General may only spend what is necessary to perform duties related to programs and operations that continue during the funding lapse (Sec. 2)

What Changes

Inspectors General gain the explicit legal authority to obligate (commit to spend) money before receiving appropriations during a funding lapse, allowing them to maintain operations when the government faces a break in approved funding.

Important Definitions

A "covered lapse in appropriations" is defined in another law (section 1341(c) of title 31, United States Code). The specific meaning is not restated in this bill.

II 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. 1012 To authorize Offices of Inspectors General to continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 28, 2023 Mr. BRAUN (for himself and Mr. CARPER) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To authorize Offices of Inspectors General to continue oper- ations during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 1 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 3 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Keep the Watchdogs 4 Running Act’’. 5 VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Apr 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\S1012.IS S1012 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •S 1012 IS SEC. 2. INSPECTOR GENERAL OVERSIGHT DURING LAPSE 1 IN APPROPRIATIONS. 2 Section 6(g) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 3 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at the end the fol- 4 lowing: 5 ‘‘(4)(A) In this paragraph, the term ‘covered lapse 6 in appropriations’ has the meaning given the term in sec- 7 tion 1341(c) of title 31, United States Code. 8 ‘‘(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and 9 in addition to any other authority, during a covered lapse 10 in appropriations, an Inspector General may incur obliga- 11 tions in advance of appropriations for such amounts as 12 may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided in 13 the most recently enacted appropriations Acts and under 14 the authority and conditions provided in such Acts, to per- 15 form the duties of the Office with respect to programs and 16 operations of the establishment that continue during the 17 covered lapse in appropriations.’’. 18 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Apr 07, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\S1012.IS S1012 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS

Important: This plain English summary was generated by AI and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always consult the official bill text on Congress.gov or a qualified attorney for legal matters.