Thousands of Americans die each year after overdosing on illicit synthetic drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Transnational criminal organizations have played a central role in fueling this health crisis here in the United States. In…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The U.S. Postal Service is a quintessentially American institution. But during the last 20 years or so, USPS has struggled financially with rising costs and declining revenues from mail volumes. What's the current status of USPS financial…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible foroverseeing the safety of medical devices sold in the U.S. and issuingrecalls when they're found to be unsafe. But recent headlines andhigh-profile lawsuits have drawn attention to the…Autor: Government Accountability Office

In the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, the United Statesand its allies responded with wide-ranging sanctions and export controlson Russia. What impact have these actions had on Russia's economy andits war efforts and have sanctions achieved…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The U.S.'s defense budget makes up about half of all federal discretionary spending. But even so, there are billions of dollars in "unfunded priorities" that could impact the military's mission and combat readiness. We'll…Autor: Government Accountability Office

On this special episode of the podcast, we sit down with GAO's Chief Quality Officer Tim Bowling to discuss how GAO protects our fact-based, nonpartisan reputation by ensuring our work is free from partisanship and bias.Autor: Government Accountability Office

On this special episode of the podcast, we sit down with GAO’s Managing Director of Congressional Relations Nikki Clowers to discuss how GAO serves Congress.Autor: Government Accountability Office

Each year, the federal government spends more than $100 billion on IT systems and cyber-related investments. About 80% of this funding goes to operating and maintaining existing IT, including old systems known as legacy IT. GAO identified several…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The IRS has a long-standing goal of improving its taxpayerservices and experiences. But many Americans still struggle to connectwith the IRS or report having a bad experience when they do. What is theIRS doing to improve the taxpayers'…Autor: Government Accountability Office

NASA plans to invest billions this year on major projects, including those that would return American astronauts to the moon. For our annual report on NASA. We looked at the status of these projects, including their costs and whether they're on…Autor: Government Accountability Office

Cars, trucks and other vehicles are a major source of emissions that have had serious consequences on air quality and people's health. One study estimates that these emissions will contribute to as many as 18,000 premature deaths in the U.S.…Autor: Government Accountability Office

Under harsh conflict conditions, Ukrainians have struggled to operate nuclear power plants and to secure nuclear and radioactive materials from potentially falling into the wrong hands. As part of the United States's aid to Ukraine, Congress…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The U.S. Army is shifting its focus from counterinsurgency-style warfare to large scale combat operations. And with this shift comes an urgent need for artillery and missile systems that are more mobile, durable and more lethal than what the Army…Autor: Government Accountability Office

This transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for many. Suicide rates among veterans are about 2.5 times higher during that first year of separation than for active-duty military. Both the Departments of Defense and Veterans…Autor: Government Accountability Office

For decades, the Department of Energy has been working to clean up dangerous nuclear waste left behind by U.S. nuclear weapons production and energy research. But finding space to dispose of this waste is an obstacle. We'll get an update on DOE…Autor: Government Accountability Office

After a natural disaster, the Small Business Administration helps homeowners and businesses recover by providing loans. While this funding is important, it is not unlimited. And in some cases, survivors may have received duplicate benefits. How is…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The financial services sector is increasingly using artificial intelligence to automate services and decisions. While this could provide benefits for consumers, it also comes with some risks. We learn more about this issue from GAO's Michael…Autor: Government Accountability Office

The Department of Veterans Affairs processed about 2 million disability benefits claims in fiscal year 2023. Navigating the claims process can be difficult. And veterans may use representatives, who are accredited by the VA, to help them. But how…Autor: Government Accountability Office

Fraud in federal programs is a significant and persistent problem. Some fraud is perpetrated by private companies that obscure their ownership information when competing for government contracts or applying for other federal benefits. In a new…Autor: Government Accountability Office