S. 2718: WATCHDOGS Act

109th Congress · introduced 2006-05-04 · Economics and Public Finance · Latest: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2006-05-04 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

WATCHDOGS Act

Plain summary

Website for American Taxpayers to Check and Help Deter Out-of-control Government Spending Act or WATCHDOGS Act - Defines: (1) a "contractor entity" as any entity that receives federal funds as a general contractor or subcontractor at any tier in connection with a federal contract; and (2) "covered entity" as any entity that receives federal funds through a grant or loan, with exceptions. Requires each contractor entity and covered entity to: (1) apply to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a federal funds application number; and (2) annually provide OMB with specified information. Directs OMB to: (1) issue a federal funds application number to each covered entity or contractor entity that applies for such number; (2) develop and establish a publicly accessible searchable database website of information on each covered entity and contractor entity; (3) promulgate regulations to designate, as specified, loan programs not covered by this Act; and (4) provide for information disclosure exemptions in the interest of national defense or national security. Requires each federal agency to: (1) use the federal funds application number with respect to any document relating to a covered entity or contractor entity receiving federal funds; and (2) make such information relating to covered entities or contractor entities available to OMB as OMB may require.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

WATCHDOGS Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] · 0 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (3)

Exemption: A rule that removes certain people, property or activities from a tax or requirement.
Rulemaking: The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-109s2718.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/109/s>

Record fed-us-cong109-s2718 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong109 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong109