From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for:
A Tribute to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro – Rep. James Comer


Description: 
As U.S. Comptroller General and Head of GAO Gene L. Dodaro’s term comes to a close, members of Congress share tributes, thanking him for over 50 years of dedicated service to the nation. Their messages highlight GAO’s nonpartisan mission and Gene’s steady leadership in strengthening oversight, accountability, and good government. Learn more about GAO’s work at GAO.gov.


Released: December 2025

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorable Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Mr. Dodaro will complete his term as the nation’s eighth Comptroller General at the end of 2025. This year will conclude Mr. Dodaro’s distinguished 52-year career at GAO, Congress’s nonpartisan investigative arm.

Over more than five decades, Mr. Dodaro has worked tirelessly to help safeguard American taxpayers from fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, and to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs. Mr. Dodaro directed the first-ever audit of the federal government’s consolidated financial statements in the 1990s. This was a landmark effort that underscored the need for better financial management and accountability government-wide.

Throughout his career, Mr. Dodaro has testified before Congress more than 200 times and played a pivotal role in advancing major reforms. These reforms include the Government Performance and Results Act, the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, the Federal Acquisitions Reform Act, the Fraud Reduction and Data Analysis Act, and various other government-wide improper payments and financial integrity reforms.

Under his leadership, GAO estimated his work has produced more than $1.2 trillion in financial benefits for the American people and driven tens of thousands of improvements in federal operations and programs. Having spent more than half his career as either the Comptroller General or GAO Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Dodaro has helped shape the institution that Congress depends on every single day. He strengthened the agency’s science, technology, and cybersecurity expertise, ensuring GAO remains well-positioned to oversee federal investments in these emerging and rapidly evolving fields.

Under his stewardship, GAO’s High-Risk List and duplication reports became an essential roadmap for congressional oversight and reform. The Oversight Committee has relied upon this expertise to enhance its monitoring of agencies’ progress toward addressing federal acquisition reforms, preventing improper payments and fraud, and improving the Department of Defense’s financial management practices.

Among other efforts, Mr. Dodaro embodies GAO’s values of nonpartisanship, objectivity, reliability, and professionalism. He is deeply respected across the government and the oversight community for his integrity, candor, and dedication. His knowledge of federal programs and operations has made him one of the most trusted and sought-after witnesses before Congress. Time and time again, he has impressed members with his ability to explain complex issues, often without a single note in front of him. Yet, despite his immense expertise, he remains one of the most humble public servants.

Mr. Dodaro’s leadership has also inspired a culture of excellence within GAO. The agency is consistently ranked among the best places to work in the federal government throughout his tenure as Comptroller General. This is a reflection of the loyalty and admiration he has earned from the GAO workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gene Dodaro, who truly defines what it means to be a public servant for more than half a century. He has helped Congress fulfill its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, honor, and steadfast commitment to the American people. On behalf of Congress, I thank Mr. Dodaro for his remarkable service to our nation.

  
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