About GAO
What GAO Is
The Government Accountability Office is the U.S. government’s audit institution and is part of the legislative branch.
HistoryA brief history of GAO, including information on our former name and previous Comptrollers General.
Our budget, strategic and performance planning, performance and accountability reports, and peer review results.
Our Mission
We support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities, and help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government. We provide Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, nonideological, and balanced.
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Our Authority
The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 formed GAO to investigate all matters related to the use of public funds. The act also requires us to report on our findings and recommend ways to increase economy and efficiency in government spending.
Our Core Values