GAO Launches “Key Issues” Website to Assist New Congress and the Public

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 7, 2013) —The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today launched a new online resource—GAO’s “Key Issues” website—to provide incoming Members of Congress and the American people with quick and easy access to bodies of GAO work on issues of critical importance to the nation.

“Following each election cycle, GAO provides information resources for the incoming Congress,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of GAO. “This new section of our website is intended to provide Members and their staff, as well as the public, with a good overview of key policy issues across government. Our intent is to help make the transition to the 113th Congress as informed and smooth as possible.”

The Key Issues website provides information about GAO's work on a range of subjects. It contains more than 50 specific issue areas, each devoted to topics such as food safety; medical product oversight; disaster management; cybersecurity; realigning and closing military bases; stabilizing and reforming the U.S. financial system; and collaboration across governments, nonprofits, and the private sector.

Each area highlights significant GAO reports and other relevant content, including podcasts and videos, along with contact information for GAO subject area experts.

Users can browse GAO’s Key Issue pages by topic or federal agency. Regular updates will ensure that the website remains current and responsive to user needs and feedback.

For more information, visit GAO’s Key Issues website or contact Chuck Young in GAO’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.