The Protect Our Watchdogs Act would restrict the president's ability to remove Inspectors General—federal officials who investigate waste and misconduct within government agencies—by requiring the president to demonstrate specific grounds for removal rather than being able to fire them at will. Currently, the president can remove Inspectors General without explanation, but this bill would require documented justification such as permanent incapacity, neglect of duty, malfeasance, felony conviction, violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or inefficiency. The legislation affects all federal Inspectors General across government agencies and takes effect upon passage, with no new funding required. The bill was introduced in March 2025 by Representative Gerry Connolly and a bipartisan group of colleagues and was referred to the House Oversight Committee.