Senate Passes Resolution Marking GAO’s Century of Service
Washington, D.C. (June 24, 2021)—The United States Senate has unanimously passed a resolution recognizing July 1, 2021, as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The June 22 resolution (S. Res. 282) commends the watchdog agency for a century of service to Congress and the nation and offers the Senate’s continuing support for GAO’s mission.
“I want to thank the Senate for its resolution commemorating GAO’s 100th birthday,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller of the United States and the head of the GAO. “It is a privilege to be able to assist Congress in its oversight of programs across the federal government, and we are very honored that the Senate has chosen to recognize our agency’s contributions over the past century.”
Dodaro also thanked the resolution sponsors, which was submitted by Senator Hassan on behalf of colleagues from both sides of the aisle, including Senators Paul, Carper, Grassley, Padilla, Johnson, Peters, Lankford, Sinema, Braun, Warren, Portman, Van Hollen, Scott (of Florida), Cardin and Romney.
Citing the agency’s reputation at home and abroad, the resolution states that “GAO is known around the world as a leader and source of objective, nonpartisan information on government operations through its work examining cost, effectiveness, and other factors related to the success of Federal programs …”
It recognizes “Eugene Dodaro, the Comptroller General and head of the GAO as of the date of adoption of this resolution, and the dedicated and professional staff of the GAO who work diligently to produce fact-based reports, thoughtful recommendations, and sound legal decisions …”
The resolution, which passed on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, also singles out the financial benefits of the agency’s work, noting that, “The financial benefit to the Federal Government resulting from the work of the GAO totaled—(1) in fiscal year 2020, $77,600,000,000; and 2) in the past 20 years combined, over $1,200,000,000,000 …”
GAO will host an online event, open to the public, on July 14 marking the opening of GAO’s doors in 1921. The July 14 program, to be streamed live from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., will include video tributes from Members of Congress, historical perspectives from the current Comptroller and two of his predecessors, and remarks from various GAO executives. The contributions of GAO’s diverse staff, past and present, to the agency’s mission and future direction will also be highlighted.
For more information, contact Chuck Young, Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs at youngc1@gao.gov or 202-512-4800.
#####
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.