Ethics: Office of Government Ethics' Policy Development Role
GGD-89-3
Published: Oct 05, 1988. Publicly Released: Oct 05, 1988.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Office of Government Ethics' (OGE) operations to determine whether OGE was carrying out its role and responsibilities under the Ethics in Government Act.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Government Ethics | To provide agency ethics officials with needed policy guidance, OGE should: (1) issue final regulations establishing a confidential financial disclosure system; (2) provide informal opinions to agency ethics officials in a form to facilitate their use, including guidance on how informal opinions may be sought from OGE and the extent to which they can be relied upon by the individual involved and others; and (3) work with the Department of Justice to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the conflict-of-interest laws and, as appropriate, recommend amendments. |
On April 7, 1992, OGE issued final regulations establishing a uniform system of confidential financial disclosure for the executive branch (5 CFR 2634, subpart I). OGE has formalized its opinions interpreting ethics laws. The recommendation concerning conflict-of-interest laws and amendments is no longer applicable because a 1989 act made significant changes that addressed the GAO recommendations.
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Conflict of interestsEthical conductFederal agenciesFederal personnel administrative lawFinancial disclosurePersonnel managementFinancial reportingGovernment employeesLegal sanctionsFederal rulemaking