Reform of the Federal Regulation Act of 1979 (S. 262) and the Regulation Reform Act of 1979 (S. 755)

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are different from other Federal employees because agencies are precluded by statute from appraising the ALJ's performance. This uniqueness causes numerous management and accountability problems. GAO is in support of the proposed legislation which addresses the ALJ issues. However, the legislation needs clarification in such areas as the purpose of ALJ appraisal, the appraisal systems, the assignment of appraisal responsibility, and pay performance award programs.