REAL Meats Act

House Bill

H.R. 5832

119th Congress

REAL Meats Act

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 24, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frederica S. Wilson

Representative

Democratic

FL-24

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

The REAL Meats Act would allow government watchdog offices known as Inspectors General to continue their work even during a government shutdown or lapse in federal funding. This means these independent oversight agencies could still investigate government waste, fraud, and abuse, ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used properly.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The REAL Meats Act would allow government watchdog offices known as Inspectors General to continue their work even during a government shutdown or lapse in federal funding. This means these independent oversight agencies could still investigate government waste, fraud, and abuse, ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used properly.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

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.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Allows Inspectors General to continue their oversight duties during a government shutdown or funding lapse
Ensures Inspectors General can still investigate government waste, fraud, and abuse
Maintains independent accountability and transparency in government operations

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily impact federal government agencies and programs by ensuring their activities remain subject to independent oversight, even when regular government operations are disrupted. Taxpayers and the general public would also benefit from continued scrutiny of how their tax dollars are being used, even during periods of political dysfunction or budget impasses.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5832, 119th Congress (2025). "REAL Meats Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5832