What is the role of the Government Accountability Office (GAO)?

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation of the federal government and its accountability to the public. By investigating governmental spending and accountability, the GAO assesses how taxpayer dollars are used and evaluates the performance and efficiency of government programs and operations. This oversight is fundamental in identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies, thereby promoting transparency and improving policy-making.

The GAO's work is designed to provide Congress and federal agencies with objective, non-partisan information that aids decision-making and enhances public confidence in the government. Their audits, program evaluations, and policy analyses contribute significantly to fiscal responsibility and effective government functioning.