Congressional Reform: Comments on The Legislative Reorganization Act of
1994--S. 1824 (Testimony, 05/05/94, GAO/T-OCG-94-4).

The proposed Legislative Reorganization of 1984--S. 1824--would repeal
GAO's permanent authorization, replacing it with authorization every
eight years beginning in 1997.  The Comptroller General testified that
repealing GAO's permanent authorization would be a serious mistake.  The
change could subject the agency to partisan political pressure,
jeopardizing its independence and credibility. These are the very
characteristics that have made GAO valuable to Congress and which
clearly distinguish its findings and recommendations from those of the
executive branch and private interests.  In fact, the agency's
independence and credibility were the primary considerations in its
creation by Congress more than 70 years ago.  This resulted in a statute
that permanently authorized GAO, provided the Comptroller General with a
15-year non-renewable term of office, and set stringent requirements for
his removal either by impeachment or by joint resolution of Congress for
specific cause.  The Comptroller General also testified on (1) a
proposed requirement that GAO provide a yearly report on the cost of the
support provided to each Senate Committee and each Senator and (2)
congressional committee oversight of federal programs and agencies.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-OCG-94-4
     TITLE:  Congressional Reform: Comments on The Legislative 
             Reorganization Act of 1994--S. 1824
      DATE:  05/05/94
   SUBJECT:  Investigations into federal agencies
             Audit authority
             Legislative bodies
             Oversight by Congress
             Audit oversight
             Authorization
             Proposed legislation
IDENTIFIER:  Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994
             
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