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GAO Enlists New Technologies to Report Its Findings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7, 2009) - The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), known as the "investigative arm of Congress," has established a presence on YouTube and Twitter to help users of such sites stay informed about GAO's work. "GAO is always exploring ways to use innovative practices and emerging technologies to carry out its mission," said Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. "While we've made extensive use of the Internet for some time, posting material on YouTube and Twitter offers new possibilities to inform people about our efforts to promote accountability and transparency in federal programs and operations."

GAO has posted many of its videos, including those from its Recovery Act and Transition web pages, on the YouTube channel, a free online video sharing service increasingly used by federal agencies as a communication tool. The main featured video is "More Than Numbers," a recruitment video based on news coverage of GAO's work. GAO is also providing links back to the underlying reports or testimony to assist viewers interested in reading more about the agency's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. To find GAO's YouTube channel visit http://www.youtube.com/user/usgao.

Through its Twitter account, GAO alerts individuals when a GAO product is issued. The agency has created two Twitter feeds, one for reports and testimony (https://twitter.com/usgao) and another for legal products (https://twitter.com/usgaolegal). To follow GAO work, users can go to one of these links, set up their own Twitter account, and then automatically receive notices whenever GAO releases a product.

More than 50 federal agencies and several members of Congress now use Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send and read each others' updates, as part of their public outreach efforts.

For more information, contact Chuck Young, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other data to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO's commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

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GAO Again Named One of the "Best Places to Work" in Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 20, 2009) - Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), welcomed today's announcement that GAO has again been rated number two among the best places to work in the federal government. Issued every two years, the rankings were released today by the Partnership for Public Service. As it did in 2007, GAO placed second among large federal agencies. "This year's rankings underscore GAO's reputation as one of the premier employers in the federal government.