II 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1012 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 operations during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Keep the Watchdogs Running Act . 2. Inspector General oversight during lapse in appropriations Section 6(g) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) (A) In this paragraph, the term covered lapse in appropriations has the meaning given the term in section 1341(c) of title 31, United States Code. (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and in addition to any other authority, during a covered lapse in appropriations, an Inspector General may incur obligations in advance of appropriations for such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided in the most recently enacted appropriations Acts and under the authority and conditions provided in such Acts, to perform the duties of the Office with respect to programs and operations of the establishment that continue during the covered lapse in appropriations. .