Research on public opinion shows that while the public is aware of the Federal Government's long-term fiscal challenge, it does not have a good handle on the size and implications of this challenge. In addition, the public consistently ranks our long-term fiscal challenge as low priority relative to other issues, such as the current state of the economy. This gap in public understanding of the na

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1997 budget request, focusing on its legislative oversight responsibilities. GAO noted that: (1) it testified approximately 250 times on issues such as budget savings, fraud, waste and abuse, and reengineering during FY 1995; (2) its expertise enables it to respond to congressional needs; (3) it has been able to fulfill additional audit responsibilities by takin

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1997 budget request. GAO noted that it: (1) is operating with a staff level of about 3,700 full-time equivalent positions, down from 5,325 employees in 1992; (2) has maintained its productivity and has been able to fulfill added requirements and responsibilities despite fewer staff, although there is some risk that GAO will lack adequate resources in such key ar

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1995 appropriation request. GAO noted that: (1) it is making some of the most significant changes in its operations in decades; (2) it has continued to operate effectively since downsizing its staff in 1992; (3) it is requesting funding to support 4,581 average positions through FY 1995, and will further reduce its staff to 4,500 average positions in FY 1996, re

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1994 appropriation request. GAO requested: (1) about $497 million, an 11-percent increase over its FY 1992 appropriation request; (2) restoration of FY 1993 reductions in training and permanent personnel transfer expenditures; (3) minimum funding to continue asbestos abatement and renovations so that staff in rental space can return to the GAO building; and (4)

GAO discussed its fiscal year: (1) 1993 funding requirements; and (2) 1991 accomplishments. GAO noted that it: (1) further reduced the average length of assignments, and the quality and quantity of products issued was at an all-time high; (2) had 122 nonmonetary accomplishments which led to improvements in government operations and services; (3) had begun 200 assignments in 16 targeted high-risk

GAO discussed its fiscal year: (1) 1992 funding requirements; and (2) 1990 accomplishments. GAO noted that it: (1) accomplished exceptional work that focused on major national issues by becoming more operationally efficient; (2) implemented programs geared toward awarding its personnel for work well done and providing training and equipment that enabled them to perform high-quality work in an eff

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1991 budget request. GAO noted that its FY 1989 activities included: (1) issuing 26 presidential transition reports for the incoming Congress and administration; (2) issuing 881 audit and evaluation reports, testifying 217 times before Congress, and issuing more than 3,800 legal decisions and opinions; (3) achieving $8 billion in measurable financial benefits fr

GAO discussed its fiscal year (FY) 1991 budget request. GAO noted that its FY 1989 activities included: (1) issuing 26 presidential transition reports for the incoming Congress and administration; (2) issuing 881 audit and evaluation reports, testifying 217 times before Congress, and issuing more than 3,800 legal decisions and opinions; (3) achieving $8 billion in measurable financial benefits fr

GAO discussed its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 1989. GAO noted that: (1) its request represented a $64 million increase over the FY 1988 appropriation; and (2) the increase covered costs related to mandatory pay and price level changes, program enhancements, additional positions, equipment needs, building modernization, and telecommunications services. GAO also noted that it: (1) saved ove