H.R. 2181 — Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025

This section establishes a for-cause removal standard for Inspectors General appointed by the President or transferred between establishments, permitting removal only for documented permanent incapacity, neglect of duty, malfeasance, conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude, knowing violation of a law or regulation, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or inefficiency—with such documentation required in the removal notice under 5 U.S.C. §§ 403(b) and 415(e)(2). (As background, Inspectors General independently audit and investigate federal agencies for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.)