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Action on GAO’s Agency and Congressional Recommendations Could Produce Billions in Financial Benefits and Improve Federal Programs

WASHINGTON (July 11, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report listing open recommendations for Congress and federal agencies to make the government work more efficiently and effectively. Certain of these recommendations have the potential to produce between $106 billion and $208 billion of measurable, future financial benefits, according to GAO’s simulations. Many are also intended to strengthen national security, enhance public health and safety, and promote sound management throughout government. In addition, they can help Congress refine and create laws framing federal policies across the spectrum of the government’s responsibilities.

Some of the recommendations are directed to Congress. Those matters for congressional consideration, included in a report issued last month, could significantly improve government efficiency and effectiveness. Since 2000, GAO has recommended that Congress consider more than 1,100 matters. Congress has acted on nearly 80 percent of them, with 242 remaining open. Many of these matters could be addressed by legislation Congress is considering. As of March 2024, bills introduced in the 117th and 118th Congress would have fully or partially addressed 103 of the 242 open matters. GAO identified 30 open matters that could result in measurable financial benefits, with 12 of these each having the potential to provide at least a billion dollars of financial benefits.

“Both reports underscore the magnitude of leaving these crucial recommendations open and unaddressed.” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “Since fiscal year 2002, GAO’s work has resulted in over $1.38 trillion in financial benefits, with $70.4 billion in fiscal year 2023 alone. Action by Congress and federal agencies to implement open agency recommendations and matters for congressional consideration can produce billions of dollars in additional financial savings, improve federal programs, and help position the nation to address future challenges.”

GAO’s open recommendations span a wide range of topics throughout the federal government. Some currently open recommendations have potential financial benefits of $1 billion or more, while many more could strengthen national security, enhance public health and safety, and improve government operations. Notable examples include:

  • Medicare Payments by Place of Service: Congress could consider directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to equalize payment rates between physician offices and hospital outpatient departments. Then, the associated savings could be returned to the Medicare program. This could save billions for the program and Medicare beneficiaries. For example, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that such actions could result in $141 billion in savings over 10 years.
  • Public Safety Broadband Network: Congress should consider reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), which would ensure the continuity of the public-safety broadband network and allow collection of $15 billion in fee revenue over the next 15 years, according to GAO’s analysis of the FirstNet contract.
  • Student Loan Income-Driven Repayment Plans: The Department of Education should obtain data to verify income information for borrowers reporting zero income on Income-Driven Repayment applications. Taking this step could result in more than $2 billion in savings over ten years, according to CBO.
  • Improper Payments and Fraud: Congress should establish a permanent analytic center of excellence to help the oversight community identify improper payments and fraud. GAO estimates that this action could result in more than $1 billion a year in financial benefits.
  • Cybersecurity in Schools: The Department of Education, in coordination with federal and nonfederal stakeholders, should determine how best to help school districts overcome challenges and consider opportunities to help address cyber threats. Implementation of this recommendation could help prevent cyber-attacks on schools, which have resulted in monetary and learning losses.
  • Business Process and Management: The Secretaries of the Navy and Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps respectively should designate a single entity with sufficient authority and resources necessary to support the implementation of predictive maintenance on weapon systems. Implementation of this recommendation could help the Department of Defense provide battle-ready ground combat systems, ships and submarines, and aircraft to its warfighters.

Congress and agencies could help realize these potential financial and other benefits by addressing GAO’s open matters and recommendations. As the federal government’s Congressional watchdog, GAO is dedicated to assisting Congress in addressing the nation’s challenges and providing comprehensive information on the matters raised for congressional consideration as well open agency recommendations. There are several strategies that Congress can employ to address these matters, including passing legislation, conducting hearings, and utilizing budget, appropriations, and oversight processes to highlight these matters.

Today’s open recommendations report, a complete list of GAO’s current open matters for congressional consideration, as well as additional cost savings reports and recommendations, can be accessed on the GAO website.

For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek, Acting Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs, at kaczmareks@gao.gov or 202-512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

 

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Strengthening Accountability in the Federal Government: GAO Issues Draft Updates to "Green Book"

WASHINGTON (June 27, 2024)—Today, as part of its ongoing efforts to help federal managers improve accountability in achieving agencies’ missions, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued proposed revisions to Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, also known as the Green Book. The Green Book provides the overall framework for establishing and maintaining an effective internal control system that helps management adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities.