[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE HONORABLE GENE DODARO
______
HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Friday, December 19, 2025
Mr. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my
fellow Pennsylvanian, the Honorable Gene Dodaro, whose term as U.S.
Comptroller General comes to an end this month.
For 52 years, Gene Dodaro has served the American people as part of
the Government Accountability Office. During his 17-year tenure as head
of the agency, he has embodied GAO's core values of accountability,
integrity, and reliability, leading work that has resulted in more than
$1 trillion in taxpayer savings and other financial benefits. His
dedication to fighting fraud, waste, and abuse has helped shape the
federal civil service for more than half a century.
Gene joined GAO as an entry-level analyst in 1973 after graduating
from Pennsylvania's Lycoming College with a bachelor's degree in
accounting. He went on to lead GAO's Accounting and Information
Management Division, which focused on financial management, computer
technology, and budget issues. He served in that role until 1999, when
he became GAO's Chief Operating Officer, the agency's number-two
position, helping guide the direction and long-term vision of the
workforce.
After 35 years of service, when many might have chosen to step away,
Gene accepted an appointment as Acting Comptroller General in 2008. He
was later confirmed by the Senate in 2010 to serve a 15-year term as
Comptroller General. Under his leadership, GAO continued its impactful
work on the federal government's long-term fiscal outlook, efforts to
reduce overlap and duplication across agencies, and the High-Risk List,
which highlights programs and operations vulnerable to waste, fraud,
abuse, mismanagement, or in need of transformation. As Comptroller
General, Gene also spearheaded the creation of GAO's Innovation Lab,
which has strengthened oversight capacity through the use of data
science, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Throughout his career, Gene has been a steadfast defender of
Congress' power of the purse. His work has been especially important to
the Budget Committee, including oversight of Impoundment Control Act
reviews. He also directed the first-ever audit of the consolidated
financial statements of the federal government, an annual effort that
has significantly improved transparency and accountability.
Gene Dodaro is widely respected on both sides of the aisle as a
principled, nonpartisan public servant. He has been recognized by
numerous organizations, including the American Society for Public
Administration, the Association of Government Accountants, and the
National Academy of Public Administration. Earlier this year, he was
inducted into the Government Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on
accountability, fiscal responsibility, and public trust in government.
As Gene's term as Comptroller General concludes, his legacy at GAO
and in public service is secure. The standards he set, the integrity he
brought to the job, and the respect he earned across Congress will
continue to shape the institution he devoted his career to
strengthening. I thank Gene Dodaro for his extraordinary service to our
country and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his
public service.
____________________