Before Congress makes tough policy decisions, it often comes to GAO for information. This episode looks at some of the toughest questions Congress has asked GAO…
In some parts of the United States, growing populations and prolonged droughts are straining water supplies. Large-scale water recycling could offer these commu…
Thousands of Americans die each year after overdosing on illicit synthetic drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Transnational criminal organization…
The U.S. Postal Service is a quintessentially American institution. But during the last 20 years or so, USPS has struggled financially with rising costs and dec…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for overseeing the safety of medical devices sold in the U.S. and issuing recalls when they're found to be…
In the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, the United States and its allies responded with wide-ranging sanctions and export controls on Russia. What impact have t…
The U.S.'s defense budget makes up about half of all federal discretionary spending. But even so, there are billions of dollars in "unfunded priorities" that co…
On this special episode of the podcast, we sit down with GAO's Chief Quality Officer Tim Bowling to discuss how GAO protects our fact-based, nonpartisan reputat…
On this special episode of the podcast, we sit down with GAO’s Managing Director of Congressional Relations Nikki Clowers to discuss how GAO serves Congress.…
Each year, the federal government spends more than $100 billion on IT systems and cyber-related investments. About 80% of this funding goes to operating and mai…
The IRS has a long-standing goal of improving its taxpayer services and experiences. But many Americans still struggle to connect with the IRS or report having …
NASA plans to invest billions this year on major projects, including those that would return American astronauts to the moon. For our annual report on NASA. We …
Cars, trucks and other vehicles are a major source of emissions that have had serious consequences on air quality and people's health. One study estimates that …
Under harsh conflict conditions, Ukrainians have struggled to operate nuclear power plants and to secure nuclear and radioactive materials from potentially fall…
The U.S. Army is shifting its focus from counterinsurgency-style warfare to large scale combat operations. And with this shift comes an urgent need for artiller…
This transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for many. Suicide rates among veterans are about 2.5 times higher during that first year of sepa…
For decades, the Department of Energy has been working to clean up dangerous nuclear waste left behind by U.S. nuclear weapons production and energy research. B…
After a natural disaster, the Small Business Administration helps homeowners and businesses recover by providing loans. While this funding is important, it is n…
The financial services sector is increasingly using artificial intelligence to automate services and decisions. While this could provide benefits for consumers,…
The Department of Veterans Affairs processed about 2 million disability benefits claims in fiscal year 2023. Navigating the claims process can be difficult. And…
Fraud in federal programs is a significant and persistent problem. Some fraud is perpetrated by private companies that obscure their ownership information when …
About 25% of college students face food insecurity. Over the years, efforts have been made to better connect students with food assistance programs. A recent ch…
Drug shortages are a serious public health concern. They can delay or limit a patient's access to effective care, with potentially dire consequences for their h…
Increasingly, Americans are falling victim to more frequent and sophisticated scams. Technology is helping to fuel this increase. And it’s costing Americans a l…