International Trade Commission: Administrative Authority Is Ambiguous
NSIAD-92-45
Published: Feb 25, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 24, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the International Trade Commission's (ITC) administrative operations, focusing on: (1) the chairman's powers and administrative responsibilities, as defined by 1977 amendments to the ITC authorizing legislation; (2) administrative problems relating to the budget, personnel, organizational structure, and creation of an ITC Office of Inspector General; and (3) comparisons of ITC administration with other independent federal commissions.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to consider replacing the commission's current statutory administrative override authority with a requirement for commission approval of a chairman's appointment of senior personnel and of a chairman's creation, elimination, or movement of offices. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
There has been an almost complete turnover in commissioners since GAO's report. The problems GAO identified have not recurred. As a result, Congress has not chosen to make any changes to ITC's statute regarding administrative responsibilities. |
| Congress may wish to clarify statutory language that defines the budget and gives the chairman responsibility for the expenditure of appropriated funds within the broad guidelines approved by the commission in its budget request. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
There has been an almost complete turnover in commissioners since GAO's report. The problems GAO identified have not recurred. As a result, Congress has not chosen to make any changes to the ITC's statute regarding administrative responsibilities. |
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Topics
Budget administrationComparative analysisFederal agency reorganizationIndependent regulatory commissionsInspectors generalInternal controlsInternational trade regulationPersonnel managementPublic administrationPublic officials