Skip to main content

Watchdog Turns 100 but Keeps Barking: Public Invited to Join July 14 Event Celebrating GAO’s 100th Birthday

WASHINGTON, DC (July 8, 2021) – The non-partisan, fact-based Congressional Watchdog, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), just turned 100. So the agency will host a virtual event on Wednesday, July 14, observing its centennial birthday.  The online ceremony will mark the opening of GAO’s doors on July 1, 1921, and the agency’s efforts over the past century to improve government performance, increase transparency, and save taxpayer dollars.

The July 14 event will include video tributes from Members of Congress, historical perspectives from the current Comptroller General and two of his predecessors, and remarks from various GAO executives.  The contributions of GAO’s diverse staff to the agency’s mission and future direction will also be highlighted.  The program will be streamed live from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. that day and can be viewed at the following link:  https://youtu.be/Mg0qQQrXooY

“GAO has a proud history of service to Congress and the American people,” said Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and the head of GAO. “I hope the public will join current and past GAO leaders, Members of Congress, and myself in commemorating this important milestone in government oversight and accountability.” 

Known as the “investigative arm of Congress,” GAO examines what is working well in government, and areas where improvements are needed. Each year, it issues hundreds of reports, and its senior officials testify before dozens of congressional committees and subcommittees. The financial benefits of its work in fiscal year 2020 alone totaled $77.6 billion.

For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800.

#####

The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, non-partisan 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.

Next Release:

GAO Earns a #1 Spot in the Best Places to Work Rankings

Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2021) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been named the best place to work for mid-size government agencies, according to the latest rankings issued today by the Partnership for Public Service.  GAO placed number one overall among mid-size agencies.

"I take great pride in GAO’s designation as a number one best place to work, a rating that reflects the high regard our employees have for the agency and its mission,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and the head of the GAO.