Opportunities For Congressional Oversight And Improved Use Of Taxpayer Funds Budgetary Implications Of Selected Gao Work Report To The Committees On The Budget

To assist the Congress in its oversight capacity, we have developed an oversight framework that is intended to allow the Congress to systematically address the goals, scope and approaches for delivering these on-going programs. Specifically, the options in this report fall under one of the following three areas that constitute one potential framework for congressional oversight: Reassess objectives: Options for reconsidering whether to terminate or revise services and programs because goals have been achieved, have been persistently not met, or are no longer relevant due to changing conditions. Redefine beneficiaries: Options for revising formulas or eligibility rules or improved targeting of benefits or fees. Improve efficiency: Options to address program execution problems through consolidation, reorganization, improving collections methods, or attacking high-risk activities.

As the U.S. enters a new cent., the 107th Cong. and the new admin. face an array of challenges and opportunities to enhance the performance and accountability of the Fed. gov't. and to position our country for the future. The GAO's recently issued Performance and Accountability Series describes those challenges. This report provides a framework for considering the budgetary implications of certain program reform options discussed in past GAO work but not yet addressed or enacted. This report is not a complete summary of possible options, but it does provide specific examples that demonstrate the programmatic and fiscal oversight needed as we enter the new millennium. Charts and tables.

Opportunities for Congressional Oversight and Improved Use of Taxpayer Funds: Budgetary Implications of Selected GAO Work

A basic reference document for persons interested in the federal budget-making process. Emphasizes budget terms in addition to relevant economic and accounting terms to help the user appreciate the dynamics of the budget process. Also distinguishes between any differences in budgetary and non-budgetary meanings of terms. Over 300 terms defined. Index. Appendices: overview of the federal budget process, budget functional classification, and more.