GAO Month in Review March 2008

About the Month in Review

The Month in Review is a comprehensive list of all reports, testimony, correspondence, and other publications issued by GAO during the previous month, grouped according to subject categories.

Top 10 list of significant work made publicly available in the last month http://www.gao.gov/press/topten.html

Budget and Spending

Making Tough Budget Choices to Create a Better Future: GAO-08-604CG, March 12, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text

Principles of Federal Appropriations Law: Annual Update of the Third Edition: GAO-08-450SP, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 116 pages)

The Nation's Long-Term Fiscal Outlook: January 2008 Update: GAO-08-591R, March 21, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 14 pages) Accessible Text

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Business, Industry, and Consumers

Telecommunications: FCC Has Made Some Progress in the Management of Its Enforcement Program but Faces Limitations, and Additional Actions Are Needed: GAO-08-125, February 15, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text

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Education

Disconnected Youth: Federal Action Could Address Some of the Challenges Faced by Local Programs That Reconnect Youth to Education and Employment: GAO-08-313, February 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 58 pages)

District of Columbia Public Schools: While Early Reform Efforts Tackle Critical Management Issues, a District-Wide Strategic Education Plan Would Help Guide Long-Term Efforts: GAO-08-549T, March 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Native Hawaiian Education Act: Greater Oversight Would Increase Accountability and Enable Targeting of Funds to Areas with Greatest Need: GAO-08-422, March 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 52 pages) Accessible Text

No Child Left Behind Act: Education Actions Could Improve the Targeting of School Improvement Funds to Schools Most in Need of Assistance: GAO-08-380, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 55 pages) Accessible Text

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Energy

Advanced Energy Technologies: Budget Trends and Challenges for DOE's Energy R&D Program: GAO-08-556T, March 5, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 15 pages) Accessible Text

Utility Oversight: Recent Changes in Law Call for Improved Vigilance by FERC: GAO-08-289, February 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 69 pages) Accessible Text

Utility Oversight: Survey of State Public Utility Commissions on Utility Commission Authorities and Reporting Responsibilities For Overseeing Utilities Since the Passage of EPAct 2005 (GAO-08-290SP, February 2008), an E-supplement to GAO-08-289: GAO-08-290SP, February 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (HTML)

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Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection: EPA Needs to Ensure That Best Practices and Procedures Are Followed When Making Further Changes to Its Library Network: GAO-08-304, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 55 pages) Accessible Text

Environmental Protection: EPA Needs to Follow Best Practices and Procedures When Reorganizing Its Library Network: GAO-08-579T, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text

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Financial Institutions

Bank Fees: Federal Banking Regulators Could Better Ensure That Consumers Have Required Disclosure Documents Prior to Opening Checking or Savings Accounts: GAO-08-281, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 78 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Coins: The Federal Reserve Banks Are Fulfilling Coin Demand, but Optimal Inventory Ranges Are Undefined: GAO-08-401, March 21, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 51 pages) Accessible Text

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Financial Management

Financial Audit: American Battle Monuments Commission's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006: GAO-08-326, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 36 pages) Accessible Text

Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006: GAO-08-463, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages) Accessible Text

Financial Audit: Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007: GAO-08-541, March 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 11 pages) Accessible Text

Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today: GAO-08-583CG, March 5, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages) Accessible Text

Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today: GAO-08-584CG, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 19 pages) Accessible Text

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Government Operations

"The Government Accountability Office (GAO) Act of 2007" (H.R. 3268), and Other GAO Reforms: GAO-08-587T, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 8 pages) Accessible Text

Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of March 12, 2008: GAO-08-545T, March 12, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 5 pages) Accessible Text

Comments on the Office of Personnel Management's February 20, 2008 Report to Congress Regarding the Retirement Systems Modernization: GAO-08-576R, March 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 7 pages) Accessible Text

Federal User Fees: Substantive Reviews Needed to Align Port-Related Fees with the Programs They Support: GAO-08-321, February 22, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text

Intellectual Property: Federal Enforcement Has Generally Increased, but Assessing Performance Could Strengthen Law Enforcement Efforts: GAO-08-157, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 83 pages) Accessible Text

Management Letter: Recommendations for Improvements to MCC's Internal Controls and Policies on Premium Class Air Travel: GAO-08-468R, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Presidential Signing Statements: Agency Implementation of Selected Provisions of Law: GAO-08-553T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Supplemental Appropriations: Opportunities Exist to Increase Transparency and Provide Additional Controls: GAO-08-314, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Government Accountability Office: Human Capital Initiatives and Additional Legislative Authorities: GAO-08-573T, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 12 pages) Accessible Text

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Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Changes in Obligations and Activities before and after Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Reorganization: GAO-08-328R, February 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 24 pages) Accessible Text

Health Insurance: Most College Students Are Covered through Employer-Sponsored Plans, and Some Colleges and States Are Taking Steps to Increase Coverage: GAO-08-389, March 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 46 pages) Accessible Text

Hospital Quality Data: Issues and Challenges Related to How Hospitals Submit Data and How CMS Ensures Data Reliability: GAO-08-555T, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 6 pages) Accessible Text

Medicaid Demonstration Waivers: Recent HHS Approvals Continue to Raise Cost and Oversight Concerns: GAO-08-87, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 71 pages) Accessible Text

Reprocessed Single-Use Medical Devices: FDA Oversight Has Increased, and Available Information Does Not Indicate That Use Presents an Elevated Health Risk: GAO-08-147, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 37 pages) Accessible Text

September 11: Fiscal Year 2008 Cost Estimation Process for World Trade Center Health Programs: GAO-08-537R, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 23 pages)

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Homeland Security

Coast Guard: Deepwater Program Management Initiatives and Key Homeland Security Missions: GAO-08-531T, March 5, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages) Accessible Text

Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain: GAO-08-542T, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Homeland Security: DHS Improved its Risk-Based Grant Programs' Allocation and Management Methods, But Measuring Programs' Impact on National Capabilities Remains a Challenge: GAO-08-488T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 24 pages) Accessible Text

Homeland Security: Strategic Solution for US-VISIT Program Needs to Be Better Defined, Justified, and Coordinated: GAO-08-361, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text

Maritime Security: Coast Guard Inspections Identify and Correct Facility Deficiencies, but More Analysis Needed of Program's Staffing, Practices, and Data: GAO-08-12, February 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 54 pages) Accessible Text

Status of Selected Aspects of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program: GAO-08-270R, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages) Accessible Text

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Housing

Housing Government-Sponsored Enterprises: A Single Regulator Will Better Ensure Safety and Soundness and Mission Achievement: GAO-08-563T, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 14 pages) Accessible Text

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Information Management

Information Security: Progress Reported, but Weaknesses at Federal Agencies Persist: GAO-08-571T, March 12, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 31 pages)

Information Security: Securities and Exchange Commission Needs to Continue to Improve Its Program: GAO-08-280, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 25 pages)

Information Technology: Significant Problems of Critical Automation Program Contribute to Risks Facing 2010 Census: GAO-08-550T, March 5, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Privacy: Government Use of Data from Information Resellers Could Include Better Protections: GAO-08-543T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 25 pages) Accessible Text

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International Affairs

Combating Terrorism: State Department's Antiterrorism Program Needs Improved Guidance and More Systematic Assessments of Outcomes: GAO-08-336, February 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages)

Somalia: Several Challenges Limit U.S. and International Stabilization, Humanitarian, and Development Efforts: GAO-08-351, February 19, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text

Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Actions Needed to Address Inadequate Accountability over U.S. Efforts and Investments: GAO-08-568T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 24 pages)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Major Challenges Impede Efforts to Achieve U.S. Policy Objectives; Systematic Assessment of Progress Is Needed: GAO-08-562T, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages) Accessible Text

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National Defense

DOD Personnel Clearances: Questions for the Record Related to the Quality and Timeliness of Clearances: GAO-08-580R, March 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 6 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Is a Critical Juncture for the Army's Future Combat System: GAO-08-408, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 65 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs: GAO-08-467SP, March 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 195 pages)

Defense Acquisitions: Progress Made in Fielding Missile Defense, but Program Is Short of Meeting Goals: GAO-08-448, March 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 90 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Acquisitions: Significant Challenges Ahead in Developing and Demonstrating Future Combat System's Network and Software: GAO-08-409, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 38 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Acquisitions: Termination Costs Are Generally Not a Compelling Reason to Continue Programs or Contracts That Otherwise Warrant Ending: GAO-08-379, March 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 34 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Contracting: Additional Personal Conflict of Interest Safeguards Needed for Certain DOD Contractor Employees: GAO-08-169, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 52 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Contracting: Army Case Study Delineates Concerns with Use of Contractors as Contract Specialists: GAO-08-360, March 26, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 48 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Infrastructure: Army and Marine Corps Grow the Force Construction Projects Generally Support the Initiative: GAO-08-375, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 29 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Management: DOD Needs to Reexamine Its Extensive Reliance on Contractors and Continue to Improve Management and Oversight: GAO-08-572T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 38 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Management: More Transparency Needed over the Financial and Human Capital Operations of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization: GAO-08-342, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 62 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Management: Overarching Organizational Framework Could Improve DOD's Management of Energy Reduction Efforts for Military Operations: GAO-08-523T, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 15 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Management: Overarching Organizational Framework Needed to Guide and Oversee Energy Reduction Efforts for Military Operations: GAO-08-426, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 44 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Travel System: Validity of Travel Payments Statistical Sampling in Question: GAO-08-444R, March 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 48 pages) Accessible Text

Global War on Terrorism: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense: GAO-08-557R, March 17, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 9 pages) Accessible Text

Joint Strike Fighter: Impact of Recent Decisions on Program Risks: GAO-08-569T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text

Joint Strike Fighter: Recent Decisions by DOD Add to Program Risks: GAO-08-388, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 52 pages) Accessible Text

Military Base Realignments and Closures: Higher Costs and Lower Savings Projected for Implementing Two Key Supply-Related BRAC Recommendations: GAO-08-315, March 5, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 65 pages) Accessible Text

Military Training: Compliance with Environmental Laws Affects Some Training Activities, but DOD Has Not Made a Sound Business Case for Additional Environmental Exemptions: GAO-08-407, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text

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Natural Resources

Hardrock Mining: Information on Abandoned Mines and Value and Coverage of Financial Assurances on BLM Land: GAO-08-574T, March 12, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 29 pages) Accessible Text

Mineral Revenues: Data Management Problems and Reliance on Self-Reported Data for Compliance Efforts Put MMS Royalty Collections at Risk: GAO-08-560T, March 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 19 pages) Accessible Text

Natural Resource Management: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Federal Participation in Collaborative Efforts to Reduce Conflicts and Improve Natural Resource Conditions: GAO-08-262, February 12, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 133 pages) Accessible Text

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Science, Space, and Technology

Aviation and the Environment: FAA's and NASA's Research and Development Plans for Noise Reduction Are Aligned but the Prospects of Achieving Noise Reduction Goals Are Uncertain: GAO-08-384, February 15, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 27 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Space Activities: National Security Space Strategy Needed to Guide Future DOD Space Efforts: GAO-08-431R, March 27, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Space Acquisitions: Major Space Programs Still at Risk for Cost and Schedule Increases: GAO-08-552T, March 4, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages) Accessible Text

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Tax Policy and Administration

Business Systems Modernization: Internal Revenue Service's Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan: GAO-08-420, March 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 49 pages)

Internal Revenue Service: Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request and Interim Performance Results of IRS's 2008 Tax Filing Season: GAO-08-567, March 13, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text

Tax Policy: Tax-Exempt Status of Certain Bonds Merits Reconsideration, and Apparent Noncompliance with Issuance Cost Limitations Should Be Addressed: GAO-08-364, February 15, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 71 pages) Accessible Text

Vehicle Donations: Selected Charities Reported Mixed Experiences after Changes in Vehicle Donation Rules: GAO-08-367, February 15, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 46 pages) Accessible Text

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Transportation

Coast Guard: Observations on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, Recent Performance, and Related Challenges: GAO-08-494T, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 36 pages) Accessible Text

Surface Transportation: Restructured Federal Approach Needed for More Focused, Performance-Based, and Sustainable Programs: GAO-08-400, March 6, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 85 pages) Accessible Text

Traffic Safety: Grants Generally Address Key Safety Issues, Despite State Eligibility and Management Difficulties: GAO-08-398, March 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 55 pages) Accessible Text

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Veterans Affairs

VA Health Care: Additional Efforts to Better Assess Joint Ventures Needed: GAO-08-399, March 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text

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Legal Products: Decisions and Opinions

AdaRose, Inc.: B-299091.3, March 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Apptis, Inc.: B-299457; B-299457.2; B-299457.3, May 23, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 24 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Brian X. Scott: B-310970; B-310970.2, March 26, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

CETENAGROUP: B-310797; B-310797.3, February 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc.: B-310902, March 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Election Assistance Commission--Availability of Funds for Purchase of Replacement Voting Equipment: B-316107, March 19, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Evans Security Solutions, Inc.: B-311035, March 19, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 3 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

FlowSense, LLC: B-310904, March 10, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Harris Enterprices, Inc.: B-311143, March 27, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 3 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Karrar Systems Corporation: B-310661; B-310661.2, January 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Karrar Systems Corporation: B-310661.3; B-310661.4, March 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Para Scientific Company: B-310976, February 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 3 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Singleton Enterprises-GMT Mechanical, Joint Venture--Costs: B-310454.3, March 27, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Strong Environmental, Inc.: B-311005, March 10, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

T.F. Boyle Transportation, Inc.: B-310708; B-310708.2, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

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Legal Products: Federal Agency Major Rules

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicaid Program; Health Care-Related Taxes: GAO-08-532R, March 10, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Department of State: Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates: GAO-08-575R, March 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

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