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Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

3/12/2024, 1:54 AM

Summary of Bill S 1012

Bill 118 s 1012, also known as the Keep the Watchdogs Running Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to ensure that government watchdog agencies, such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), have the necessary funding and resources to continue their important work.

The bill specifically aims to prevent any potential government shutdowns from affecting the operations of these watchdog agencies. It proposes that funding for these agencies be automatically renewed in the event of a government shutdown, thus ensuring that they can continue to fulfill their oversight responsibilities without interruption.

Additionally, the Keep the Watchdogs Running Act includes provisions to increase transparency and accountability within these agencies. It calls for regular reporting on their activities and spending, as well as measures to strengthen their independence from political influence. Overall, the goal of Bill 118 s 1012 is to safeguard the integrity of government oversight and ensure that watchdog agencies can effectively hold the government accountable for its actions. It is currently under review in Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to protect the vital role of these watchdog agencies in upholding transparency and accountability in government operations.

Congressional Summary of S 1012

Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

This bill authorizes a federal office of inspector general (OIG) to continue performing its duties during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).

During a lapse in appropriations, the OIG may obligate funds at the rate of operations and under the terms and conditions provided in the most recently enacted appropriations act to perform its duties with respect to any programs or operations that continue during the lapse in appropriations.

Current Status of Bill S 1012

Bill S 1012 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 28, 2023. Bill S 1012 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 28, 2023.  Bill S 1012's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of March 28, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1012

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1012

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1012

Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
A bill to authorize Offices of Inspectors General to continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.

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