H.R. 3735: Integrity in Government Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Integrity in Government Act of 2025, proposes several changes related to the oversight of the United States government, particularly concerning Inspectors General. Here's a breakdown of what the bill intends to accomplish:

Establishment of an Inspector General Office

The bill aims to create an Office of Inspector General within the Executive Office of the President. This establishment will add a layer of oversight directly associated with the President’s office.

Key points include:

The President is required to appoint an individual to serve as the Inspector General for this office within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

Removal Standards for Inspectors General

The legislation outlines new standards for the removal of Inspectors General who are appointed by the President. According to the bill:

Inspectors General cannot be removed from office by the President unless there is evidence of inefficiency, malfeasance of office, or neglect of duty.
These same standards apply to Inspectors General of other designated Federal entities, ensuring protection against arbitrary termination.

However, there is an exception where these rules do not apply to Inspectors General of independent agencies, which includes various specified entities such as:

Department entities such as the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Other independent agencies defined by law.

Technical Amendments

The bill also includes provisions that clarify and reinforce previous legislation, thus ensuring continuity in the legal framework governing Inspectors General. It specifies that certain previously passed sections of related legislation should take effect as law.

Overall Purpose

The overarching aim of this legislation is to enhance governmental integrity and accountability by establishing vigilant oversight mechanisms and ensuring that Inspectors General operate free from undue influence from executive powers.