The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. It investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars and provides Congress with information to help it make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. It is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States Congress. The GAO’s mission is to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.
The GAO was established in 1921 as the General Accounting Office and was renamed the Government Accountability Office in 2004. It is headed by the Comptroller General of the United States, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Comptroller General is responsible for overseeing the GAO’s operations and ensuring that the agency meets its mission.
The GAO’s primary role is to provide Congress with objective, reliable information to help it make informed decisions. The GAO conducts audits, evaluations, and investigations of federal programs and operations to determine whether they are efficient, effective, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. The GAO also provides Congress with recommendations for improving the performance of the federal government.
The GAO’s work is organized into four main areas: financial audits, performance audits, program evaluations, and investigative work. Financial audits examine the accuracy and reliability of the federal government’s financial statements and the adequacy of its internal controls. Performance audits assess the effectiveness and efficiency of federal programs and operations. Program evaluations provide Congress with information about the performance of federal programs and operations. Investigative work involves examining allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs and operations.
The GAO also provides Congress with information about the federal budget and the federal government’s financial management practices. The GAO’s reports and recommendations are widely used by Congress to inform its decision-making. The GAO also works with other federal agencies to help them improve their performance and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.