Application of Laws:

Comments on the Congressional Accountability Act--S. 2071

T-OGC-94-2: Published: Jun 29, 1994. Publicly Released: Jun 29, 1994.

Additional Materials:

Contact:

Jeffrey S. Forman
(202) 512-5763
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

GAO discussed the proposed application of certain employment protection laws to Congress and its agencies. GAO noted that: (1) S. 2071 is the most comprehensive bill that provides aggrieved employees a grievance system analogous to the one available to GAO employees; (2) the executive branch does not enforce employee protection laws at GAO because of conflicts of interest and the potential compromise of GAO audit and investigative responsibilities; (3) the GAO Personnel Appeals Board hears employee grievances and oversees the GAO equal employment program and its general counsel investigates and prosecutes allegations of prohibited personnel practices; (4) the GAO grievance system has the support of GAO employees and management; and (5) Congress needs to consider establishing clear regulations and guidance, qualifications for officials, education and outreach efforts, periodic self-evaluations, and oversight by an independent organization before implementing the proposed employee protection laws.

Matters for Congressional Consideration

  1. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: The recommendation was for Congress to amend a proposed law. Congress did not pass the law and will not further consider the bill this session. It is unknown whether a similar bill will be submitted next session.

    Matter: The Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs should consider requiring the administration and enforcement of legislative branch employee protection measures by authorities in the legislative branch.

  2. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: The recommendation was for Congress to amend a proposed law. Congress did not pass the law and will not further consider the bill this session. It is unknown whether a similar bill will be submitted next session.

    Matter: The Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs should consider preserving existing enforcement mechanisms in the legislative branch that work effectively, such as the GAO Personnel Appeals Board and equal employment program.

 

Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »

Jul 18, 2018

Jul 16, 2018

Jun 27, 2018

May 31, 2018

May 17, 2018

Apr 18, 2018

Apr 12, 2018

Mar 20, 2018

Mar 13, 2018

Mar 12, 2018

Looking for more? Browse all our products here