Federal Manager's Daily Report

The Senate has joined the House in passing HR-72, to strengthen GAO’s powers by authorizing it to obtain records it deems required to carry its audit, evaluation and investigative duties, including through bringing a civil action against a federal agency if necessary to compel it to produce a record.

The measure also clarifies that privacy restrictions in the Social Security Act cannot bar GAO’s ability to obtain information or inspect records–including an SSA database of working persons that could be examined to see whether ineligible persons are receiving certain benefits. Also, agency statements on actions taken or planned in response to GAO recommendations will have to be submitted to the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the pertinent agency program or activity, and the GAO.

The voting follows recent passage of a bill similarly boosting the powers of agency IGs; proposals to enhance the OSC’s authorities also are pending.

The Senate also joined the House in passing HR-39, to put into law the Presidential Innovative Fellows Program designed to encourage entrepreneurs, executives and innovators to join the government for periods of between six months and two years. Agencies would have to ensure that each fellow works closely with responsible senior officials for the duration of the assignment.