Recommendations

GAO’s report recommendations have the potential to save taxpayers billions of dollars and greatly improve government operations. About 60% of all new reports make recommendations, and we have found that about 75% of our past recommendations are implemented over a four year period.

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You can search our open recommendations database for all of our recommendations that have yet to be implemented. (Recommendations remain open until they are designated as Closed-implemented or Closed-not implemented.)

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Priority Recommendations

We designate some of our recommendations as priority recommendations because they warrant priority attention. When implemented, some of our priority recommendations can save large amounts of money, help Congress make decisions on major issues, and substantially improve or transform major government programs or agencies, among other benefits. In fact, we send letters to the heads of key departments and agencies, urging them to focus on these priority recommendations.

Recommendations for Congress

Matters for congressional consideration are recommendations that GAO makes to Congress to address findings from our work. Action by Congress to address open matters can produce billions of dollars in financial savings, improve the effectiveness of federal agencies and programs, and help position the nation to address future challenges.

See current open recommendations for Congress