Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2181
Last Updated: September 8, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

ID: C001078

Follow the money

The bill

Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025

HR. 2181, 119th Congress — read as touching Private Prisons & Immigration Detention.

The sponsor

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$69,150 raised

22 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Bell asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2181, 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.

September 7, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. The "Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025" - because what this country really needs is more protection for bureaucrats with a bad case of moral rectitude.

Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**New regulations being created or modified:** The bill amends chapter 4 of title 5, United States Code, to establish a "for-cause removal standard" for Inspectors General. In other words, Congress wants to make it harder for the President to fire these self-appointed guardians of integrity.

**Affected industries and sectors:** Government agencies, naturally. But let's not be naive - this bill is really about protecting the interests of politicians who rely on these watchdogs to do their bidding.

**Compliance requirements and timelines:** The bill sets out a laundry list of "grounds" for removal, including "documented permanent incapacity," "neglect of duty," and "gross mismanagement." Because, you know, it's not like these bureaucrats are already insulated from accountability. The compliance timeline? Oh, don't worry, it's just a never-ending cycle of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape.

**Enforcement mechanisms and penalties:** Ah, the teeth of this bill - or rather, the lack thereof. There are no real enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance. Just more hot air from Congress.

**Economic and operational impacts:** This bill will have zero impact on the economy or operations of government agencies. It's just a feel-good exercise in legislative posturing. But hey, who needs actual reform when you can just create more bureaucratic hurdles?

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a bad case of " Politician-itis" - a disease characterized by an excessive desire for self-preservation and a complete disregard for the public interest.

Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach to withstand the stench of hypocrisy emanating from Capitol Hill.

Related Topics

Executive Branch OversightGovernment Operations & AccountabilityNational Security & Intelligence
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$69,150
18 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$2,900
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
1 transaction
$2,900

No committee contributions found

1
PUNARO, ARNOLD
2 transactions
$6,600
2
PUNARO, JULIA
2 transactions
$6,600
3
HALE, KAREN
2 transactions
$6,600
4
PHILLIPS, STERLING
2 transactions
$6,600
5
HERSHMAN, MICHAEL J.
1 transaction
$3,300
6
TRONE, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
7
MISENER, PAUL E
1 transaction
$3,300
8
RABAUT, TOM W
1 transaction
$3,300
9
WALKER, KENT
1 transaction
$3,300
10
CARLSON, TERESA
1 transaction
$3,300
11
GURU, RAM
1 transaction
$3,300
12
HALL SR, DON
1 transaction
$3,300
13
HALL, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
14
ABOD, CARAH
1 transaction
$3,300
15
ABOD, KIM
1 transaction
$3,300
16
BERBERIAN, ANNETTE
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

ID: N000147

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]

ID: L000562

Top Contributors

10

1
CRONIN, JON P.
CRONIN DEVELOPMENTPRINCIPAL
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
2
CRONIN, NICOLE M.
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
3
KENNEDY, LEE M. JR.
LEE KENNEDY CO. INCSELF EMPLOYED
IndividualDUXBURY, MA
$3,300
Oct 25, 2023
4
KEOHANE, KIARA L.
SELFHOMEMAKER
IndividualWAKEFIELD, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
5
KEOHANE, PATRICK J.
SELFPROPERTY MANAGER
IndividualWAKEFIELD, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
6
KINEAVY, MICHAEL J.
THE CRONIN GROUPCOO
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
7
MORIARTY, JOHN J III
JOHN MORIARTY & ASSOCIATES INCCONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
IndividualCONCORD, MA
$3,300
Dec 4, 2023
8
MORIARTY, JOHN J.
JOHN MORIARTY & ASSOCIATESBUILDER
IndividualWINCHESTER, MA
$3,300
Dec 4, 2023
9
MORIARTY, JOHN J.
JOHN MORIARTY & ASSOCIATESBUILDER
IndividualWINCHESTER, MA
$3,300
Dec 4, 2023
10
MURPHY, DENIS
REBEL RESTAURANTSELF
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

ID: K000391

Top Contributors

10

1
HONOR AGING LLC
OrganizationEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ
$3,300
Jul 16, 2024
2
PINNACLE HOSPITAL
OrganizationCROWN POINT, IN
$2,500
Mar 3, 2023
3
HOME BEE LLC
OrganizationWEST BLOOMFIELD, MI
$1,000
Sep 18, 2024
4
SAKA, SAMUEL
SELF EMPLOYEDENTREPRENEUR
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jun 2, 2023
5
SAKA, SAMUEL
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jun 2, 2023
6
GAITONDE, SUJATA
UICPROFESSOR
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,700
Feb 6, 2024
7
GAITONDE, SUNIL
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,700
Feb 6, 2024
8
KALSI, RAHUL S
NICOR GASEXECUTIVE
IndividualOAK BROOK, IL
$3,700
Sep 22, 2023
9
KOZAKIEWICZ, BEATA
STERLING GROUP INC.PRINCIPAL
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
10
JAIN, RAJ
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualORLAND PARK, IL
$3,300
Nov 3, 2024

Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

ID: K000389

Top Contributors

10

1
1850 WILLIAMS INVESTORS LLC
OrganizationALAMO, CA
$3,300
Mar 5, 2024
2
SIRHAN, MOTASIM
ELIXIREXECUTIVE
IndividualMILPITAS, CA
$13,200
Jan 3, 2024
3
PAPIER, SUSAN
WERBA RUBIN PAPIER WEALTH MANAGEMENTEXECUTIVE
IndividualSAN JOSE, CA
$13,200
Mar 29, 2024
4
CLEMENS, NICOLE
PARAMOUNT GLOBALEXECUTIVE
IndividualPACIFIC PALISADES, CA
$13,200
Mar 30, 2024
5
PAPIER, JASON
WERBA RUBIN PAPIER WEALTH MANAGEMENTEXECUTIVE
IndividualSAN JOSE, CA
$13,200
Mar 29, 2024
6
COGEN, JACK
NOT EMPLOYEDRETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$13,200
May 15, 2024
7
CLEMENS, NICOLE
IndividualPACIFIC PALISADES, CA
$12,200
Mar 31, 2024
8
YOUNIS, QASAR
APPLIED INTUITIONEXECUTIVE
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$9,900
Mar 31, 2024
9
PAPIER, SUSAN
IndividualSAN JOSE, CA
$9,900
Mar 31, 2024
10
PAPIER, JASON
IndividualSAN JOSE, CA
$9,900
Mar 31, 2024

Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]

ID: M000687

Top Contributors

10

1
TABORN, TYRONE D.
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$5,000
Jul 31, 2024
2
BRONFEIN, MICHAEL
CURIO WELLNESSCEO
IndividualOWINGS MILLS, MD
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
3
SEIBEL, MICHAEL
Y COMBINATORINVESTOR
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
4
JOHNSON, ROBERT
THE RLJ COMPANIESEXECUTIVE
IndividualBETHESDA, MD
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
5
JOSEPH, MARK K.
N/ARETIRED
IndividualBALTIMORE, MD
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
6
JOHNSON, ROBERT
THE RLJ COMPANIESEXECUTIVE
IndividualBETHESDA, MD
$3,300
Nov 9, 2023
7
TABORN, TYRONE D.
CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUPMETAVERSE CREATOR
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023
8
FISCHER, SOLOMON
FISCHER ROOFINGROOFER
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$3,000
Oct 7, 2024
9
TABORN, TYRONE D.
CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUPMETAVERSE CREATOR
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$3,000
Jul 27, 2024
10
BEREANO, BRUCE C.
SELF-EMPLOYEDGOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONSULTANT
IndividualANNAPOLIS, MD
$2,500
Oct 23, 2024

Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]

ID: B001313

Top Contributors

10

1
MORRIS-SINGER, ANDREW
SELF-EMPLOYEDMANAGEMENT
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$6,600
Jan 24, 2024
2
MORRIS-SINGER, COREY
SELF-EMPLOYEDRESEARCH
IndividualPORTLAND, OR
$6,600
Jan 24, 2024
3
STEIN, KEVIN M
TRANSDIGMCEO
IndividualCHAGRIN FALLS, OH
$3,300
Feb 15, 2023
4
MOSS, KAREN
NICOLAS GUDBRANSON & COOPERATTORNEY
IndividualCLEVELAND, OH
$3,300
Feb 24, 2023
5
SUMMERS, MICHAEL P.
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualLAKEWOOD, OH
$3,300
Feb 28, 2023
6
JOHNSON, ALEX B
TRI-CCOLLEGE PRESIDENT
IndividualBEACHWOOD, OH
$3,300
Mar 7, 2023
7
SINITO, FRANK T
MILLENIA HOUSING COMPANIESPRESIDENT
IndividualCLEVELAND, OH
$3,300
Mar 13, 2023
8
EMERSON, WILLIAM
ROCK HOLDINGSVICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualBLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI
$3,300
Apr 14, 2023
9
JURVETSON, KARLA
SELFPHYSICIAN
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$3,300
May 11, 2023
10
RATNER, ALBERT B.
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualLYNDHURST, OH
$3,300
Jun 13, 2023

Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

ID: S001218

Top Contributors

10

1
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationTACOMA, WA
$3,700
Jun 10, 2024
2
PUEBLO OF ISLETA
OrganizationISLETA, NM
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
3
PUEBLO OF SANDIA
OrganizationBERNALILLO, NM
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
4
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Dec 6, 2023
5
PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA
OrganizationBERNALILLO, NM
$3,300
Dec 20, 2023
6
PUEBLO OF SANDIA
OrganizationBERNALILLO, NM
$3,300
Nov 27, 2023
7
PASCUA YAQUI TRIBE
OrganizationTUCSON, AZ
$3,300
Dec 30, 2023
8
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023
9
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023
10
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRANTON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 25, 2024

Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]

ID: G000598

Top Contributors

10

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
May 25, 2023
2
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
May 25, 2023
3
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$2,500
Jun 28, 2024
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Dec 22, 2023
5
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Dec 31, 2023
6
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Jun 28, 2024
7
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$1,000
Sep 27, 2024
8
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$500
Dec 18, 2023
9
SALAS, RALPH
HARBOR BREEZEPRESIDENT / CEO
IndividualRANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA
$6,600
Feb 20, 2024
10
ABDUL-WAHAB, ANDREW
SHANGRI-LA INDUSTRIESCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
IndividualLONG BEACH, CA
$6,600
Jun 30, 2023

Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]

ID: F000476

Top Contributors

10

1
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Jun 28, 2024
2
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$500
Sep 26, 2023
3
HULL, MEGAN
SELF EMPLOYEDACTIVIST
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 17, 2024
4
HARRIS, WILLIAM
PERKINS + WILLARCHITECT
IndividualCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Oct 29, 2023
5
BOYLAND, DORIAN
BOYLAND AUTO ORLANDOBUSINESS OWNER
IndividualWINDERMERE, FL
$3,300
Oct 13, 2023
6
TILLMAN, BRIAN
WINDOW WORLDOWNER
IndividualORLANDO, FL
$3,300
Oct 20, 2023
7
PISCITELLI, JUNE
SMARTHINKINGINSTRUCTOR
IndividualFORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$3,300
Oct 6, 2023
8
WILLIAMS, TERESA
SELF EMPLOYEDMANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
IndividualWINTER PARK, FL
$3,300
Dec 2, 2023
9
HARRIS, WILLIAM
PERKINS + WILLARCHITECT
IndividualCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Oct 29, 2023
10
PISCITELLI, JUNE
SMARTHINKINGINSTRUCTOR
IndividualFORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$3,300
Oct 6, 2023

Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]

ID: L000602

Top Contributors

10

1
FRIENDS OF SARA INNAMORATO
OrganizationPITTSBURGH, PA
$3,300
Mar 19, 2024
2
FRIENDS OF SARA INNAMORATO
OrganizationPITTSBURGH, PA
$2,300
Mar 19, 2024
3
JORDAN, WAYNE
JREISELF-EMPLOYED
IndividualOAKLAND, CA
$6,600
Jan 26, 2024
4
TROTTER, ANDREW
N/ANOT EMPLOYED
IndividualREDWOOD CITY, CA
$3,600
Mar 21, 2024
5
COOK ZUHLKE, RONNIE
N/ARETIRED
IndividualPITTSBURGH, PA
$3,420
Mar 27, 2024
6
KALIYUR, SATHVIK
NWF STRATEGIESCONSULTANT
IndividualSARATOGA, CA
$3,300
Dec 26, 2024
7
ABDALLAH, HANI
EVERGREENPHARMACIST
IndividualHOMER GLEN, IL
$3,300
Dec 30, 2023
8
AKHRAS, RAMI
RAMI AKHRASSELF-EMPLOYED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Nov 16, 2023
9
ALI, NADIA
MPIBUSINESSWOMAN
IndividualORLAND PARK, IL
$3,300
Dec 30, 2023
10
ALI, NADIR
INPIXONCEO
IndividualPALO ALTO, CA
$3,300
Dec 9, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 54 nodes and 34 connections (41 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $127,150

Top Donors - Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org1 Committee16 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 2 harmed.

  • Section 2 establishes a for-cause removal standard for Inspectors General, which could lead to increased scrutiny and accountability of government contractors, including private prison operators, thereby potentially harming their business interests (SEC. 2. FOR CAUSE REMOVAL STANDARD FOR INSPECTORS GENERAL).

  • The bill's emphasis on accountability and oversight could also impact law enforcement agencies and surveillance technology vendors, potentially leading to increased regulatory burdens or reputational damage (SEC. 2. FOR CAUSE REMOVAL STANDARD FOR INSPECTORS GENERAL).

  • +Labor Unionsconfidence 0.60

    The Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025 may be seen as a pro-whistleblower and pro-accountability measure, which could align with the interests of labor unions advocating for workers' rights and government transparency (SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE).

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