Legislative Service Organizations

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed its authority to audit the House Finance Office and legislative service organizations (LSO). GAO found that: (1) it has authority to audit the House Finance Office's and LSO operations; (2) it is authorized to audit the financial transactions of each federal agency and all matters related to receipt, disbursement, and use of public money; (3) LSO revolving accounts are available for necessary LSO business expenses and will be financed by payments from annual appropriations; (4) it is important that activities financed with public funds undergo annual financial audits as an element of appropriate oversight; and (5) the type and frequency of these audits will vary depending on the size of a particular LSO or its level of activity.