Senate Bill 3411 would increase the independence of the GAO from the executive branch by exempting its employees from certain civil service laws administered by the Civil Service Commission, giving GAO greater flexibility in personnel management. Such independence is needed to eliminate any potential for conflict of interest or appearance thereof in GAO's role as the agent of Congress for evaluating programs administered by the executive branch. The proposed legislation provides adequate safeguards for the rights of employees and applicants and requires adherence to the principles of merit, veterans preference, and equal employment opportunity.