Government Accountability Office · Washington, DC United States

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is making sure that taxpayers get their money's worth from the government. Formerly known as the General Accounting Office, the Government Accountability Office is the investigative arm of Congress, and like the name suggests strives to ensure accountability in the legislative and executive branches of government. The independent and nonpartisan agency examines federal spending, advises Congress and heads of executive agencies on matters concerning the effectiveness and responsiveness of government, evaluates federal programs, audits expenditures, and issues legal opinions. The GAO has an annual budget of about $500 million. To read the full description, subscribe now.