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 (1) at the rate of operations and under the terms and conditions provided in the most recently enacted appropriations act, and (2) to perform its duties with respect to any program that continues during the lapse in appropriations.
To authorize Inspectors General to continue operations during a lapse 
               in appropriations, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Keep the Watchdogs Running Act''.

SEC. 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) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to 
any other authority, during a lapse in appropriations, an Inspector 
General may incur obligations in advance of appropriations--
            ``(A) for such amounts as may be necessary and at a rate 
        for operations and under the authority and conditions as 
        provided in the most recently enacted appropriations Acts; and
            ``(B) to perform the duties of the Office with respect to 
        any program and operation of the establishment that continues 
        during the lapse in appropriations.''.
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Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
A bill to authorize Inspectors General to continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
Sen. Braun, Mike