GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as defense acquisitions, the IRS, and natural resources management. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Is a Critical Juncture for the Army's Future Combat System. GAO-08-408, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-408
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08408high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Significant Challenges Ahead in Developing and Demonstrating Future Combat System's Network and Software. GAO-08-409, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-409
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08409high.pdf
• Defense Contracting: Additional Personal Conflict of Interest Safeguards Needed for Certain DOD Contractor Employees. GAO-08-169, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-169
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08169high.pdf
• Defense Management: Overarching Organizational Framework Needed to Guide and Oversee Energy Reduction Efforts for Military Operations. GAO-08-426, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-426
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08426high.pdf
• Environmental Protection: EPA Needs to Ensure That Best Practices and Procedures Are Followed When Making Further Changes to Its Library Network. GAO-08-304, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-304
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08304high.pdf
• Internal Revenue Service: Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request and Interim Performance Results of IRS's 2008 Tax Filing Season. GAO-08-567, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-567
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08567high.pdf
• Joint Strike Fighter: Recent Decisions by DOD Add to Program Risks. GAO-08-388, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-388
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08388high.pdf
• Natural Resource Management: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Federal Participation in Collaborative Efforts to Reduce Conflicts and Improve Natural Resource Conditions. GAO-08-262, February 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-262
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08262high.pdf
• Telecommunications: FCC Has Made Some Progress in the Management of Its Enforcement Program but Faces Limitations, and Additional Actions Are Needed. GAO-08-125, February 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-125
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08125high.pdf
• Traffic Safety: Grants Generally Address Key Safety Issues, Despite State Eligibility and Management Difficulties. GAO-08-398, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-398
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08398high.pdf

Testimony

• Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of March 12, 2008, by Terrell G. Dorn, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-545T, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-545T
• Defense Management: DOD Needs to Reexamine Its Extensive Reliance on Contractors and Continue to Improve Management and Oversight, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Readiness, House Committee on Armed Services GAO-08-572T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-572T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08572thigh.pdf
• Defense Management: Overarching Organizational Framework Could Improve DOD's Management of Energy Reduction Efforts for Military Operations, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Readiness, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-523T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-523T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08523thigh.pdf
• Environmental Protection: EPA Needs to Follow Best Practices and Procedures When Reorganizing Its Library Network, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-08-579T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-579T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08579thigh.pdf
• "The Government Accountability Office (GAO) Act of 2007" (H.R. 3268), and Other GAO Reforms, by Shirley A. Jones, Esq., Employee Advisory Council (EAC) attorneys representative, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-587T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-587T
• Hardrock Mining: Information on Abandoned Mines and Value and Coverage of Financial Assurances on BLM Land, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. GAO-08-574T, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-574T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08574thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: DHS Improved its Risk-Based Grant Programs' Allocation and Management Methods, But Measuring Programs' Impact on National Capabilities Remains a Challenge, by William O. Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-488T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-488T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08488thigh.pdf
• Information Security: Progress Reported, but Weaknesses at Federal Agencies Persist, by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-571T, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-571T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08571thigh.pdf
• Joint Strike Fighter: Impact of Recent Decisions on Program Risks, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittees on Air and Land Forces, and Seapower and Expeditionary Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-569T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-569T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08569thigh.pdf
• Mineral Revenues: Data Management Problems and Reliance on Self-Reported Data for Compliance Efforts Put MMS Royalty Collections at Risk, by Franklin W. Rusco, acting director, natural resources and environment, and Jeanette M. Franzel, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-08-560T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-560T
• Presidential Signing Statements: Agency Implementation of Selected Provisions of Law, by Gary L. Kepplinger, general counsel, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-553T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-553T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08553thigh.pdf
• Privacy: Government Use of Data from Information Resellers Could Include Better Protections, by Linda D. Koontz, director, information management issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-543T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-543T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08543thigh.pdf
• Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Actions Needed to Address Inadequate Accountability over U.S. Efforts and Investments, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-568T, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-568T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08568thigh.pdf
• U.S. Government Accountability Office: Human Capital Initiatives and Additional Legislative Authorities, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-573T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-573T

Correspondence

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Changes in Obligations and Activities before and after Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Reorganization. GAO-08-328R, February 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-328R
• September 11: Fiscal Year 2008 Cost Estimation Process for World Trade Center Health Programs. GAO-08-537R, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-537R
  
• Status of Selected Aspects of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program. GAO-08-270R, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-270R

Presentations by the Comptroller General

• "Making Tough Budget Choices to Create a Better Future," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, in Washington, D.C. GAO-08-604CG, March 12, 2008
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08604cg.pdf
• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour at the Haas School of Business, the University of California, Berkeley. GAO-08-583CG, March 5, 2008
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08583cg.pdf
• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour at the Maddy Institute, California State University, Fresno. GAO-08-584CG, March 6, 2008
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08584cg.pdf

Report: FBI Misused National Security Letters

A report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) focusing on FBI investigations in 2006 found many privacy violations by the FBI in their use of National Security Letters (NSLs). NSLs are FBI letters requesting private customer information from businesses and banks without court approval and preventing those who receive NSLs from discussing them. Some of the problems found included improper requests, NSLs issued without proper authorization, and the unauthorized collection of personal data.

The full report, A Review of the FBI’s Use of National Security Letters: Assessment of Corrective Actions and Examination of NSL Usage in 2006, is available from the OIG. The findings are similar to the findings from a 2007 report from OIG report that found the FBI had used NSLs to improperly obtain personal data from 2003-2005.

The FBI was granted expanded powers (including NSLs) after September 11th, by the USA Patriot Act. Find more information on the 2001 USA Patriot Act (H.R.3162) and the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R.3199) from Thomas. Or if you are here on campus, search LexisNexis Congressional for additional reports and hearing.

Read Report: FBI Misused Information-Gathering Powers from the Washington Post, FBI Improperly Obtained Data on Americans, Justice Department Report Says from FOX News, and Report: FBI abuse of investigative tool continued in 2006 from CNN.

Want more information? Check out the library's guide on the War Against Terrorism.

US State Department Human Rights Reports

The US State Department has released the 2007 Human Rights reports. These reports examine the human rights situation across the the world and are released annually. For those interested in watching a briefing, the State Department has put the briefing up online.

Want some media discussion? Check out the Washington Post's "State Department Rights Report Calls Record of Sudan 'Horrific.'"

Want more human rights information? Check out the library guide.

Congressional Research Service reports

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us CRS reports on the energy, border searches, IRAs, and much more. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• Air Force Air Refueling: The KC-X Aircraft Acquisition Program
• Economic Factors Affecting Small Business Lending and Loan Guarantees
• Lighting Efficiency Standards in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: Are Incandescent Light Bulbs "Banned"?
• Overview of Labor Enforcement Issues in Free Trade Agreements
• International Illegal Trade in Wildlife: Threats and U.S. Policy
• Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): A Primer
• New Markets Tax Credit: An Introduction
• Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Older Americans
• Border Searches of Laptops and Other Electronic Storage Devices
• Mortgage and Rental Assistance as Disaster Relief: Legislation in the 110th Congress
• Role of Home State Senators in the Selection of Lower Federal Court Judges

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as bank fees, Homeland Security, defense, Somalia, and Medicaid. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Bank Fees: Federal Banking Regulators Could Better Ensure That Consumers Have Required Disclosure Documents Prior to Opening Checking or Savings Accounts. GAO-08-281, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-281
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08281high.pdf
  
• Business Systems Modernization: Internal Revenue Service's Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan. GAO-08-420, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-420
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08420high.pdf
• Defense Infrastructure: Army and Marine Corps Grow the Force Construction Projects Generally Support the Initiative. GAO-08-375, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-375
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08375high.pdf
• Defense Management: More Transparency Needed over the Financial and Human Capital Operations of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. GAO-08-342, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-342
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08342high.pdf
• Financial Audit: American Battle Monuments Commission's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006. GAO-08-326, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-326
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08326high.pdf
  
• Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006. GAO-08-463, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-463
• Information Security: Securities and Exchange Commission Needs to Continue to Improve Its Program. GAO-08-280, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-280
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08280high.pdf
  
• Maritime Security: Coast Guard Inspections Identify and Correct Facility Deficiencies, but More Analysis Needed of Program's Staffing, Practices, and Data. GAO-08-12, February 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-12
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0812high.pdf
• Medicaid Demonstration Waivers: Recent HHS Approvals Continue to Raise Cost and Oversight Concerns. GAO-08-87, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-87
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0887high.pdf
  
• Military Base Realignments and Closures: Higher Costs and Lower Savings Projected for Implementing Two Key Supply-Related BRAC Recommendations. GAO-08-315, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-315
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08315high.pdf
  
• Military Training: Compliance with Environmental Laws Affects Some Training Activities, but DOD Has Not Made a Sound Business Case for Additional Environmental Exemptions. GAO-08-407, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-407
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08407high.pdf
• Reprocessed Single-Use Medical Devices: FDA Oversight Has Increased, and Available Information Does Not Indicate That Use Presents an Elevated Health Risk. GAO-08-147, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-147
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08147high.pdf
  
• Somalia: Several Challenges Limit U.S. and International Stabilization, Humanitarian, and Development Efforts. GAO-08-351, February 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-351
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08351high.pdf
• Supplemental Appropriations: Opportunities Exist to Increase Transparency and Provide Additional Controls. GAO-08-314, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-314
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08314high.pdf
  
• Surface Transportation: Restructured Federal Approach Needed for More Focused, Performance-Based, and Sustainable Programs. GAO-08-400, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-400
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08400high.pdf
  
• Utility Oversight: Recent Changes in Law Call for Improved Vigilance by FERC. GAO-08-289, February 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-289
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08289high.pdf

Related/Special Products

• Utility Oversight: Survey of State Public Utility Commissions on Utility Commission Authorities and Reporting Responsibilities For Overseeing Utilities Since the Passage of EPAct 2005, an E-supplement to GAO-08-289. GAO-08-290SP, February 25. [Internet only] http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-290SP
  

Testimony

• Advanced Energy Technologies: Budget Trends and Challenges for DOE's Energy R&D Program, by Mark E. Gaffigan, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-08-556T, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-556T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08556thigh.pdf
• Coast Guard: Deepwater Program Management Initiatives and Key Homeland Security Missions, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland security and justice, and John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-531T, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-531T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08531thigh.pdf
  
• Coast Guard: Observations on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, Recent Performance, and Related Challenges, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-08-494T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-494T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08494thigh.pdf
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Major Challenges Impede Efforts to Achieve U.S. Policy Objectives; Systematic Assessment of Progress Is Needed, by David Gootnick, director, international affairs and trade, before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. GAO-08-562T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-562T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08562thigh.pdf
  
• Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-542T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-542T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08542thigh.pdf
• Hospital Quality Data: Issues and Challenges Related to How Hospitals Submit Data and How CMS Ensures Data Reliability, statement for the record by Linda T. Kohn, acting director, health care, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-08-555T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-555T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08555thigh.pdf
  
• Housing Government-Sponsored Enterprises: A Single Regulator Will Better Ensure Safety and Soundness and Mission Achievement, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GAO-08-563T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-563T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08563thigh.pdf
• Information Technology: Significant Problems of Critical Automation Program Contribute to Risks Facing 2010 Census, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, and Mathew J. Scire, director, strategic issues, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-550T, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-550T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08550thigh.pdf
• Space Acquisitions: Major Space Programs Still at Risk for Cost and Schedule Increases, by Cristina T. Chaplain, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-552T, March 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-552T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08552thigh.pdf
  

Correspondence

• Defense Travel System: Validity of Travel Payments Statistical Sampling in Question. GAO-08-444R, March 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-444R
• Management Letter: Recommendations for Improvements to MCC's Internal Controls and Policies on Premium Class Air Travel. GAO-08-468R, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-468R