Gerald Connolly (D-VA)
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
A Democratic bill with 16 Democratic cosponsors · See all 16 cosponsors
Last activity — 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.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Keep the Watchdogs Running Act," aims to authorize Inspectors General to continue their work when there is a lapse in appropriations. It seeks to amend title 5 of the United States Code to allow these offices to incur obligations in advance of receiving new appropriations. This authority would apply to the amounts necessary to maintain operations at the rates provided in the most recently enacted appropriations acts. Additionally, it allows them to perform duties related to any program or operation that continues during the lapse.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill ensures continuous oversight of government programs by allowing Inspectors General to function during funding gaps.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Continued Oversight: Inspectors General can continue to perform their duties regarding any program or operation that continues during a lapse in appropriations (Section 2). This ensures that oversight functions do not stop even when funding is not explicitly provided.
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Operational Continuity: An Inspector General may incur obligations in advance of appropriations for amounts necessary for operations (Section 2). This allows the offices to maintain their necessary functions and established rates of operation during a funding gap.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill ensures continuous oversight of government programs by allowing Inspectors General to function during funding gaps.
- 11/20/2025
- 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.
- 4/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/1/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 3/27/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/21/2025
- 10 Cosponsors added.
- 3/18/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Joaquin CastroDemocrat · Texas
Danny DavisDemocrat · Illinois
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
Robert GarciaDemocrat · California
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia
Debbie Wasserman SchultzDemocrat · Florida