Topic Descriptions

We classify our reports and other publications into 31 topics, described below. We assign one or more topic, as appropriate. For example, a report about veterans' education will be categorized under both Education and Veterans. Other instances of topic overlap are noted below.

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Agriculture and Food

This topic includes content related to the agriculture industry; agricultural products, production and trade; and agricultural programs and policies. Issues related to farm animals, crops, food production, food safety, and nutrition also are covered under this topic.

Auditing and Financial Management

This topic includes content related to financial, forensic and programmatic audits and oversight as well as audit and evaluation methodologies, tools and techniques.

Budget and Spending

This topic includes content related to government appropriations; earmarks; federal, state and local finance; budget systems; and long-term fiscal issues.

Business Regulation and Consumer Protection

This topic includes content related to consumer protection, procurement regulations, acquisition and contracting, trade regulation, and antitrust activity. It also includes subject matter related to international trade or federal procurement.

Economic Development

This topic includes content related to business and job growth; business development loans and construction grants; regional, rural and urban development; and disaster relief.

Education

This topic includes content related to all educational programs ranging from preschool to adult/continuing education; educational facilities, standards and funding; and student loans and grants.

Employment

This topic includes content related to labor statistics and trends, employment of special populations (e.g., foreign nationals, minorities, the disabled, and the elderly), workforce development, benefits and compensation, worker safety and protection, and unemployment assistance.

Energy

This topic includes content related to the energy industry and the government agencies that regulate it.

Equal Opportunity

This topic includes content related to citizens’ rights and equal protection under the law in matters of age, color, disability, diversity, gender, national origin, race, or religion.

Financial Markets and Institutions

This topic includes content related to credit and lending; stocks, bonds and other securities, and financial regulatory agencies.

GAO Missions and Operations

This topic includes content related to the history and mission of GAO and its programs; GAO publications and guidance; GAO’s policies, protocols, practices; and services that GAO provides to Congress and other federal government agencies.

Government Operations

This topic includes content related to how the government works, its organization and constituent parts, regulation and administration of government agencies, internal agency operations, intergovernmental issues, and policy development and implementation. Census, high-risk issues, and elections are some of the specific subject areas addressed under this topic.

Health Care

This topic includes content related to all aspects of medical and health care services, facilities, personnel, costs, insurance and reform. Content that relates to military health care and veterans’ health care will be found here as well as under National Defense or Veterans.

Homeland Security

This topic includes content related to national security and protection including terrorism and prevention of terrorist attacks, security policies and practices, transportation and border security, federal intelligence agencies, and emergency preparedness and response.

Housing

This topic includes content related to home financing and insurance, building construction and maintenance, housing types (e.g., temporary, rental, public and low-income), and homelessness.

Human Capital

This topic includes content related to diversity and EEO; pay and benefits; performance management; employee development and retention; and workforce planning, recruitment, and management. Content that relates to employment of special populations (e.g., minorities, the disabled, the elderly and foreign nationals) will be found here as well as under Employment.

Information Management

This topic includes content related to the management of information. Data collection, document disposal, records management, and laws regulating access to information are addressed under this topic.

Information Security

This topic includes content related to classified information, computer security, protection of critical IT infrastructure, and privacy issues.

Information Technology

This topic includes content related to the techniques, methods, and processes associated with computing. Areas included under this topic include enterprise architecture; acquisition, development and integration of information systems; and IT policies, legislation, investment and outsourcing. Subject matter related to military or defense computer systems will be found here as well as in National Defense.

International Affairs

This topic includes content related to international politics, law, finance and economics, international trade and commerce; international treaties, foreign aid, investments and policy, and diplomacy.

Justice and Law Enforcement

This topic includes content related to the justice system which covers the courts, crime, corrections, lawsuits, law enforcement agencies and officers, trials, judges, and attorneys.

National Defense

This topic includes content related to military personnel and infrastructure, DOD internal operations and policy development, armed forces, weapons, and defense systems.

Natural Resources and Environment

This topic includes content related to environmental protection and monitoring and the associated policies, laws and legislation. Natural resources (i.e., land, water, minerals, and wildlife) also are covered under this topic. Content related to energy resources, including renewable and alternative energy resources, will be found here as well as under Energy.

Retirement Security

This topic includes content related to federal retirement systems, state and local retirement systems, private retirement plans, and Social Security. Content that relates to military disability retirement pay and veterans’ pensions will be found here as well as under Veterans.

Science and Technology

This topic includes content related to scientific research and experimental investigation; technology and innovation; branches of science including physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and engineering.

Space

This topic includes content related to space-related scientific research, technological development, exploration, space transportation, and support personnel and facilities. Subject matter related to military/defense satellites will be found here as well as under National Defense. Material on communication satellites will be found here in addition to Telecommunications.

Tax Policy and Administration

This topic includes content related to tax administration, legislation, policies, and reform.

Telecommunications

This topic includes content related to communication over distance via electromagnetic or electronic signals. Subject matter covered includes Internet and data services, public safety and communication security, television and radio, and voice services.

Transportation

This topic includes content related to the transmission of people and goods including modes of travel; transportation laws, legislation and safety; transit systems, pipelines, and freight and shipping.

Veterans

This topic includes content related to veterans, retired military, or Department of Veterans Affairs. Subject matter covered includes employment and training, education, benefits, home loans, insurance and care of veterans.

Worker and Family Assistance

This topic includes content related to social welfare programs and services with emphasis on economic assistance, faith-based and community initiatives, child and family issues, and nutrition and unemployment assistance.