Summary: This statement discusses the importance of congressional oversight of government operations and GAO's role in that effort. In the view of the Comptroller General, it is time to revisit how Congress and GAO carry out their oversight responsibilities. The Comptroller General urges the forging of a bicameral and nonpartisan oversight agenda that will meet the needs of Congress, capitalize on GAO's extensive knowledge and skills, and protect the public's interests. It will require three oversight tracks: (1) looking at programs and efforts that involve multiple agencies and cross committee jurisdictions; (2) examining across government those functions--from strategic planning to information technology to financial management to human capital--that are crucial to an organization's ability to excel; and (3) overseeing the management and effectiveness of individual agencies. A strategic oversight plan could help balance these different oversight tracks. Individual committees are well suited to address performance and other issues affecting individual agencies and programs. It may be more difficult under the current committee structure, however, to tackle federal missions that cut across agencies and committees.
