Summary: The Comptroller General gave testimony concerning the GAO budget request for fiscal year (FY) 1984. During the past year, GAO was able to sustain its efforts to improve the efficiency of Government operations and to provide timely assistance to Congress. The Government realized $5.9 billion in collections and other measurable savings during FY 1982 by implementing GAO recommendations, a return of about $24 for each dollar appropriated to GAO in FY 1982. Appropriate officials have already implemented about 20 percent of the approximately 1,800 recommendations that GAO made to Congress and executive agencies in FY 1982; another 43 percent are in the implementation process. In addition, GAO testified before Congress 177 times in FY 1982 and provided hundreds of informal briefings to Members and staff. A review of specific GAO jobs has disclosed a need to sustain initiatives such as the defense budget task force and the audit of block grant implementation. The Comptroller General stated that there is also a need for GAO to do more in the fields of automatic data processing and financial management. Several organizational changes have been instituted to improve efficiency. The Energy and Minerals Division and the Community and Economic Development Division have been consolidated into the Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division. In addition, three new Assistant Comptroller Generals have been appointed. Efforts have also been undertaken to improve GAO operations and communications, upgrade staff skills, streamline the personnel system, and provide for greater use of office automation equipment.
