About GAO
What GAO Is
The Government Accountability Office is the U.S. government’s audit institution and is part of the legislative branch.
This year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office celebrates a century of service as a source of objective, non-partisan information on government operations. GAO plays a key role in helping Congress improve the performance of government, ensuring transparency and saving money. Join us as we celebrate our agency’s century of service to Congress and the nation.
As GAO celebrates a century of service, Comptroller General Gene Dodaro shares his thoughts on the agency’s legacy.
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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, non-partisan, 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.