Drug Control: ONDCP's Authority

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO presented its views on what it will take to give the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) the tools necessary to effectively develop and oversee the implementation of national drug control policies. GAO found that: (1) ONDCP has statutory authority to carry out its congressionally-mandated objectives regarding the development, implementation, and coordination of national drug control policy; (2) there is no need for major changes in ONDCP statutory authority; (3) future ONDCP effectiveness depends on its ability to influence and obtain the active support of the President and the heads of the drug control agencies; (4) ONDCP needs to improve its annual drug control strategies by specifying what the major funding components are expected to accomplish and identifying ways to measure progress in meeting those expectations; (5) ONDCP needs to work more cooperatively with the drug control agencies and be more flexible in performing its budget reviews and certifications, particularly if proposed staff reductions occur; and (6) ONDCP could benefit from obtaining assistance from agency inspectors general in conducting audits and program evaluations.