Summary: The oversight process is the primary vehicle for assuring program accountability in existing programs. Program accountability is achieved through oversight when responsible political leaders: learn about executive actions or programs; judge the adequacy, appropriateness and effectiveness of such actions or programs; and consequently take the necessary action to reform governmental administration, improve program performance, reward effective administration and performance, or penalize fraud, abuse or inefficiency. One of the most important functions of Congress is to oversee the operation of the agencies, including those in the executive branch as well as the independent agencies. The following opportunities are available to Congress for improving program accountability: (1) better analysis of the potential effects of legislation; (2) inclusion of oversight requirements in legislation; (3) oversight of the program design and regulation development process; and (4) analysis of feedback to discover ways to improve the use of program evaluation information.
