Press Releases

The United States House of Representatives approved Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's (GA-01) legislation today to provide transparency and accountability in the federal government. Carter's legislation ensures the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the congressional watchdog, is able to obtain the records it needs to audit, evaluate, and investigate federal agencies. Additionally, if an agency does not cooperate with GAO, H.R. 5690 allows GAO to use civil actions to require an agency to produce the necessary documents or records. 

"GAO is one of the most important tools used in the fight to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure the federal government is transparent and accountable," said Carter. "Over the last six years, the congressional watchdog has recommended more than 600 corrective actions which will result in $125 billion dollars in savings from 2010 to 2025. However, the GAO's important work is only possible if they are able to access federal agency records to fully audit government programs. Unfortunately, even though GAO has the statutory right to inspect agency records, some federal agencies fail to cooperate and block the GAO from doing its job for Congress and the American people. My legislation passed in the House today ensures federal agencies cannot continue to put up roadblocks for the GAO and ensures they are able to access all records and data necessary to conduct their investigations."

Carter's legislation, H.R. 5690, the GAO Access and Oversight Act, passed the House today by a vote of 404-0.