Application of Laws: Comments on the Congressional Accountability Act--S. 2071
Highlights
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.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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. | |
| 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. | 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. |