The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent non-partisan agency of the United States government that provides objective and insightful evaluations of federal programs and activities. GAO operates as the auditing, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress, often referred to as the "congressional watchdog."
As per its mission, GAO’s primary role is to assist Congress in ensuring accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of public funds. It accomplishes this objective by conducting audits and evaluations of federal agencies, programs, and policies. The agency examines various areas such as budgetary analysis, financial management, program performance, and internal controls, among others.
GAO's work is widely recognized for its impartiality and accuracy. The agency issues reports containing its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Congress, contributing to legislative decision-making and oversight. These reports cover a broad range of topics, including government spending, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, defense, and many other areas of federal activity.
In addition to its auditing and evaluative duties, GAO also assists Congress by providing legal opinions, conducting investigations, offering technical guidance, and analyzing proposed legislation. It aims to enhance government accountability, transparency, and effectiveness while promoting the best use of taxpayer dollars.
Overall, GAO acts as a crucial and trusted resource for Congress, providing it with the necessary information and analysis to make informed decisions and improve the performance of the federal government.
