The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, non-partisan agency that operates as a legislative branch agency within the federal government of the United States. Established in 1921, its primary function is to provide auditing, evaluation, and investigative services on behalf of the United States Congress.
The GAO serves as a watchdog over the federal government, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of taxpayer dollars. It conducts a wide range of activities to fulfill its responsibilities, such as financial audits of government agencies, performance audits to evaluate programs and policies, legal opinions, and investigations on matters of fraud and misuse of public funds.
The GAO has the authority to access and analyze government information, interview witnesses, and conduct site visits to gather evidentiary material. It issues reports and testimonies to Congress, providing critical analyses and insights into government operations, financial management, and program effectiveness, aiming to help lawmakers make informed decisions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs.
The agency is headed by the Comptroller General of the United States, who is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Comptroller General, along with a team of professionals, oversees the work of the GAO and serves as a trusted source of objective and reliable information for Congress, government agencies, and the general public.
