HR4465-119

What This Bill Does

This bill is a technical housekeeping measure that updates three chapters of Title 5 of the U.S. Code (chapters 4, 10, and 131) related to Inspectors General, Federal advisory committees, and ethics in government. It incorporates laws enacted after October 19, 2021, that were intended to amend these chapters, and corrects technical errors. The bill explicitly states it does not change the meaning or effect of existing law—it simply ensures the codified text accurately reflects the current state of the law.

Who Benefits and How

Congress and government oversight bodies benefit from having clearer, more accurately codified legal text that properly reflects existing Inspector General protections and reporting requirements. Inspectors General benefit from having their statutory protections—including detailed procedures for removal, transfer, and placement on non-duty status—clearly consolidated in one place. Whistleblowers benefit from codified protections that prevent disclosure of their personally identifiable information without consent.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The President and executive branch face codified procedural requirements when removing or transferring Inspectors General, including mandatory 30-day advance written notice to Congress with detailed, case-specific reasons. Federal establishments and agency heads must comply with detailed semiannual reporting requirements to Inspectors General and Congress, including statistical tables on audits, disallowed costs, and management decisions. Non-governmental organizations and businesses named in Inspector General reports must now be notified and given 30 days to review and submit written responses.

Key Provisions

• Inspector General Removal Protections: Codifies the requirement that the President must provide written notice to Congress with substantive rationale at least 30 days before removing or transferring an Inspector General
• Non-Duty Status Restrictions: Establishes that only the President can place an Inspector General on non-duty status, with 15-day advance notice to Congress required (with limited exceptions for workplace safety threats)
• Acting Inspector General Rules: Creates detailed succession procedures when an Inspector General dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve, including qualifications for acting officials
• Enhanced Reporting Requirements: Requires Inspectors General to submit detailed semiannual reports including information on whistleblower retaliation, interference by establishments, and substantiated misconduct by senior officials
• Entity Notification Rights: Requires that non-governmental organizations or businesses specifically named in Inspector General reports be notified and given 30 days to submit written responses