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Public Health Preparedness: Experts Identified Actions to Improve Surveillance for Emerging Disease Threats
WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Public Health Preparedness: Experts Identified Actions to Improve Surveillance for Emerging Disease Threats
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#Fast Facts
Emerging infectious diseases can pose a serious threat to national health and security.
Experts we convened suggested several ways the federal government could better detect and monitor such threats. For example, they suggested unifying animal and public health efforts because emerging diseases often affect both. They also discussed improving leadership among many partners,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Public Health Preparedness: Experts Identified Actions to Improve Surveillance for Emerging Disease Threats
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#Fast Facts
Emerging infectious diseases can pose a serious threat to national health and security.
Experts we convened suggested several ways the federal government could better detect and monitor such threats. For example, they suggested unifying animal and public health efforts because emerging diseases often affect both. They also discussed improving leadership among many partners,and more.
These ideas could help the Department of Health and Human Services improve its leadership and coordination of public health emergencies-which has been on our High Risk List since 2022.
Scientists working in a lab wearing face masks, goggles and head coverings.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Emerging infectious diseases are infections that are new (e.g., COVID-19) or have existed but are reappearing in an area (e.g., measles), according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As the federal lead for public health, HHS partners with thousands of entities at all levels of government to conduct surveillance for emerging infectious diseases; doing so through continuous data collection, analysis, and sharing of health data needed to plan for and respond to such threats.
Experts on a roundtable GAO convened suggested a range of actions that the federal government could take to improve U.S. emerging infectious disease surveillance. GAO categorized experts' suggestions across four areas related to collaboration, data, methods, and communication (see table).
Four Areas with Examples of Federal Actions Experts Suggested to Improve Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance
Collaboration
Data Quality and Infrastructure
Surveillance Methods
Communication
Increase coordination by creating a multisectoral, multidisciplinary leadership group
Strengthen data quality by identifying, developing, and using standards for surveillance data
Optimize surveillance by evaluating cost-effectiveness of surveillance systems and methods
Improve awareness and perception of public health and surveillance by developing a communication strategy
Source: GAO analysis of statements made by a roundtable of 18 experts. | GAO-26-107610
A key theme in experts' suggested actions for improvement was to unify efforts between animal and human health sectors, in recognition that emerging diseases often affect both. For example, experts suggested that a multisectoral, multidisciplinary leadership group should be created to direct surveillance planning and activities across federal agencies, including those responsible for both human and animal health. Such a group could address a lack of centralized authority to direct cross-agency surveillance activities leading to inconsistent collaboration that hinders the effectiveness of U.S. surveillance for emerging infectious diseases.
Officials from HHS and other federal departments, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has responsibility for animal health, highlighted existing efforts that they thought were related to expert-suggested actions. For example, HHS officials cited the U.S. One Health Coordination Unit as an existing effort related to the expert-suggested action to create a multisectoral, multidisciplinary leadership group to improve federal collaboration.
The actions suggested by experts offer HHS and stakeholders a chance to assess tradeoffs and feasibility in expanding current efforts or exploring new approaches for infectious disease surveillance, while considering past recommendations by GAO and others. These actions also provide HHS an opportunity to determine if any of the suggestions assist the department in its leadership and coordination of public health emergencies, an area GAO placed on its High-Risk List in January 2022.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Emerging infectious disease outbreaks have increased in incidence and impact, posing an ever-present threat to national health, security, and economic interests. Some emerging infectious diseases can become highly transmissible and capable of wide, uncontrollable spread in human populations potentially leading to pandemics.
With factors such as increased global interconnectedness, animal-to-human disease transmissibility risk, and disease virulence contributing to this threat, there is heightened concern that an emerging infectious disease may develop into a widespread outbreak with significant consequences.
The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to monitor and report on the federal pandemic response. This report describes (1) how HHS has conducted surveillance of emerging infectious disease threats and (2) actions experts suggested for the federal government to improve surveillance of emerging infectious diseases.
GAO convened a roundtable of 18 experts in April and May 2025 to discuss actions to improve public health surveillance for emerging infectious disease threats. GAO contracted with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to help identify experts representing a range of perspectives including former federal officials and animal and human health professions. Their comments reflected solely their views. GAO also reviewed documents and interviewed officials from HHS, USDA, and public health associations, among others.
For more information, contact Mary Deningan-Macauley at deninganmacauleym@gao.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107610
Financial Audit Manual: Volume 3, July 2026
WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Financial Audit Manual: Volume 3, July 2026
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#Fast Facts
The Financial Audit Manual (FAM) presents a methodology for performing financial statement audits of federal entities in accordance with professional standards. It is a tool for enhancing accountability over taxpayer-provided resources.
This July 2026 revision replaces Financial Audit Manual, Volume 3 (August 2025 version) and contains the Federal Financial Reporting Checklist.
The FAM's other volumes are:
Volume 1: the audit
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Financial Audit Manual: Volume 3, July 2026
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#Fast Facts
The Financial Audit Manual (FAM) presents a methodology for performing financial statement audits of federal entities in accordance with professional standards. It is a tool for enhancing accountability over taxpayer-provided resources.
This July 2026 revision replaces Financial Audit Manual, Volume 3 (August 2025 version) and contains the Federal Financial Reporting Checklist.
The FAM's other volumes are:
Volume 1: the auditmethodology
Volume 2: detailed implementation guidance
You can download all volumes of the FAM in Word and certain Excel templates, and see prior versions of the manual on the main FAM page.
Financial Audit Manual: Volume 3 logo with curved purple and white stripes and faint blue stars.
#Highlights
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) maintain the Financial Audit Manual (FAM).
For more information, please visit the main FAM page, or contact Dawn B. Simpson at SimpsonDB@gao.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108632
Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Is Missing Opportunities to Apply Lessons from Other Countries That Could Reduce Risks and Costs
WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Is Missing Opportunities to Apply Lessons from Other Countries That Could Reduce Risks and Costs
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#Fast Facts
Nuclear waste cleanup can be costly, risky, and time consuming. The Department of Energy's cleanup efforts in the U.S. will cost over $640 billion and take decades.
We looked at how several other countries have saved money, reduced risks, and accelerated cleanup efforts.
The UK focused its cleanup efforts based on the environmental and health risks
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Is Missing Opportunities to Apply Lessons from Other Countries That Could Reduce Risks and Costs
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#Fast Facts
Nuclear waste cleanup can be costly, risky, and time consuming. The Department of Energy's cleanup efforts in the U.S. will cost over $640 billion and take decades.
We looked at how several other countries have saved money, reduced risks, and accelerated cleanup efforts.
The UK focused its cleanup efforts based on the environmental and health risksthe waste poses, saving over $2.6 billion. Canada prioritized cleanup activities at key waste sites, which will expedite completion at one site by 30 years.
But DOE hasn't fully collaborated with other countries to learn how their approaches could improve its own efforts. We recommended doing so.
Nuclear Waste Cleanup Project in a Former Salt Mine in Germany
Inside an underground chamber with rock walls, a large industrial vehicle moves several yellow cylindrical drums that resemble barrels to a pit that is partially filled with other drums.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Many countries are undertaking efforts to manage, treat, and dispose of nuclear waste. Several have taken actions that accelerated cleanup, reduced risks, and resulted in cost savings-lessons that could inform the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management (EM) efforts. For example:
* The United Kingdom (UK) saved a total of at least PS2 billion (equivalent to $2.6 billion as of March 2026) by implementing a risk-informed approach to managing its nuclear waste. This approach helped minimize how much waste would need disposal in a repository for waste low in radioactivity.
* Canada has prioritized accelerating cleanup activities at key nuclear waste sites. As a result, it expects to complete cleanup activities at one of these key sites nearly 30 years ahead of schedule.
* France and the UK have used test facilities that replicate operating facilities to address technical issues and train employees. These efforts have saved each country significant money and minimized disruptions to cleanup efforts.
Decommissioned Nuclear Boilers Diverted for Recycling Instead of Disposal in the United Kingdom's National Low Level Waste Repository
EM engages with other countries about nuclear cleanup, but this engagement is limited and not done strategically to identify alternative approaches that could reduce costs and risks at EM's 15 cleanup sites in the United States. For example, EM participates in international working groups but does not disseminate lessons learned from other countries to EM's decision-makers. GAO and other organizations have long reported on challenges facing the EM cleanup mission, including that EM does not have a fully risk-informed approach to cleanup. EM site officials told GAO they want more opportunities to engage with other countries, but EM headquarters officials stated that they typically teach other countries, rather than learn from them. Until EM more strategically engages with other countries to identify and evaluate alternative nuclear cleanup approaches, EM will continue to miss opportunities to employ new approaches that its decision-makers could use to reduce risks and costs across the EM complex.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Many countries have nuclear waste resulting from activities such as weapons production, nuclear power generation, and medical uses. Efforts to address this waste can be costly, take decades, and present common challenges. EM is responsible for cleaning up 15 sites across the United States contaminated by nuclear weapons production and energy research. EM has estimated that its cleanup mission could cost between $641 billion and $840 billion and take until 2100.
Senate Report 118-188 includes a provision for GAO to report on EM's efforts to leverage other countries' lessons learned for managing nuclear waste. This report examines (1) selected countries' nuclear waste management approaches from which EM could learn, and (2) the extent to which EM has considered other countries' approaches for nuclear waste cleanup.
GAO reviewed documents for six selected countries: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. GAO interviewed officials from five of these countries and visited selected sites in France and the UK. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed officials from EM headquarters and received written responses from all 15 EM sites about their international engagements.
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that EM strategically engage with other countries to identify and evaluate alternatives that could help reduce risks and costs or accelerate its cleanup activities. EM should disseminate identified approaches to EM decision-makers to explore and integrate into cleanup efforts, as appropriate. EM concurred with the recommendation.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management should strategically engage with existing or new partner countries to identify and evaluate alternatives they have pursued that could help reduce risks and costs or accelerate nuclear cleanup efforts across the EM complex and periodically disseminate these approaches to EM site managers and EM decision-makers to explore and integrate into cleanup efforts, as appropriate. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108082
Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Needs to Better Use End State Contracts to Achieve Intended Results
WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Needs to Better Use End State Contracts to Achieve Intended Results
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#Fast Facts
The Department of Energy employs contractors to conduct nuclear waste cleanup at its U.S. sites. Since 2019, DOE has used an "end state" contracting model that breaks up cleanup work into smaller contracts-called task orders-within the main contract. This model was meant to provide more reliable costs, faster cleanup, and better results.
But we found the model didn't consistently
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Needs to Better Use End State Contracts to Achieve Intended Results
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#Fast Facts
The Department of Energy employs contractors to conduct nuclear waste cleanup at its U.S. sites. Since 2019, DOE has used an "end state" contracting model that breaks up cleanup work into smaller contracts-called task orders-within the main contract. This model was meant to provide more reliable costs, faster cleanup, and better results.
But we found the model didn't consistentlymeet expectations. For example, DOE didn't perform oversight to ensure that goals were achieved. Some task orders also changed after the contract was awarded, resulting in over $500 million in extra costs.
Our recommendations address these issues and more.
Hazardous waste barrels
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
As of March 31, 2025, the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) awarded 57 task orders across nine contracts since implementing the End State Contract Model (ESCM) in fiscal year 2020. The ESCM uses task orders for contractors to achieve a stated outcome, or "end state," to move sites toward completion, manage cost and schedule performance, and reduce DOE's environmental liability. About half (29) included defined end states and the remainder were for support work or cleanup work that did not yet have a defined end state.
EM has not consistently achieved intended results for selected task orders GAO reviewed. Of the nine selected task orders completed as of March 31, 2025, three did not define end states and six defined them but were inconsistent in achieving them. For example, three task orders with defined end states reduced or carried over scopes of work post-award, resulting in contractors completing less work to achieve modified end states. The extent to which EM reduced costs for these task orders is unclear because of inconsistent documentation. Further, EM headquarters did not provide adequate oversight to ensure task orders achieved end states. Without this oversight, EM cannot assess how well it is meeting program goals.
EM did not fully use contract incentives to manage costs. As a result, post-award changes to task order requirements led to over $500 million in cost growth.
Selected Task Orders with Greatest Cost Growth, as of March 31, 2025
Dollars in thousands
Cleanup site
Task order (TO)
Total cost growth
Total cost growth, percent
Idaho National Laboratory
TO 3 Integration and Mission Continuity (Phase 1)
$42,054
6.29%
TO 3.2 Integration and Mission Continuity Hybrid Task Order (Phase 2)
$75,553
11.74%
Nevada National Security Site
TO 2 Environmental Operations
$75,793
149.61%
Oak Ridge Reservation
TO 3 End States Phase-In
$216,661
45.17%
TO 6-1 Y-12 Operations and Cleanup End States
$23,871
6.05%
TO 8-1 Environmental Management Disposal Facility Early Site Prep
$1,559
6.48%
TO 9-2 Outfall 200 Mercury Treatment Facility Construction and Commissioning End State
$25,811
138.89%
Source: GAO analysis of Federal Procurement Data System and Strategic Integrated Procurement Enterprise System data and Office of Environmental Management information. | GAO-26-107745
Note: Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand. For the purposes of this review of task orders, GAO analyzed cost growth based on increases in contract value.
EM's task orders have different incentives for cost performance, some of which can reduce risk of cost growth. Of the task orders reviewed, those types that put more risk on the contractor generally had the lowest cost growth. EM more frequently used contract types that put more risk on EM, and these experienced the greatest cost growth. Until EM takes steps to address task orders' cost performance, EM may miss opportunities to better manage cost growth.
#Why GAO Did This Study
EM is responsible for cleaning up 15 sites across the U.S. that are contaminated from decades of nuclear weapons production and energy research. To conduct this work, EM has awarded ESCM contracts since fiscal year 2020. GAO previously found that EM experienced challenges implementing end state task orders and that stakeholders had concerns about fair pricing for cleanup work because of lack of competition among contractors. Since 1990, GAO has designated DOE contract management as a high-risk area.
A congressional committee report includes a provision for GAO to evaluate EM's implementation of the ESCM. This report examines (1) the status of ESCM task orders issued since fiscal year 2020 and the role of contractors in defining end states, (2) the extent to which selected ESCM task orders have achieved intended results, and (3) the extent to which EM is using selected ESCM task orders to manage contract cost performance.
GAO reviewed data for all ESCM task orders awarded as of March 31, 2025, evaluated contract documents for 19 selected task orders, and interviewed EM officials. GAO also conducted site visits to the Hanford and Savannah River cleanup sites.
#Recommendations
GAO is making six recommendations to DOE, including to provide better oversight to help ensure sites define and achieve end states and to take actions to improve the cost performance of task orders. DOE concurred with five out of six recommendations and partially concurred with one recommendation, as discussed in the report. GAO continues to believe DOE should fully implement all recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary of EM should ensure sites using Approach B report contract modification data at the individual subtask level in procurement data systems and correct existing and future data discrepancies. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary for EM should strengthen how EM headquarters oversees cleanup work under ESCM task orders to better ensure sites consistently define and achieve end states. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary of EM should direct sites to follow requirements for 10-Year Strategic Task Order Plans to discuss the reduction to environmental risk and financial liability as a result of completing work under proposed task orders. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary for EM should ensure that EM headquarters identifies, analyzes, and addresses the root causes for task order cost growth. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary of EM should ensure sites implement steps to improve the accuracy of cost data including better incorporating changes to scopes of work in task order IGCEs during negotiations. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Assistant Secretary of EM should direct EM headquarters to implement a process to ensure all task orders awarded as UCAs are definitized by the regulatory deadline. (Recommendation 6)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 6 Recommendations
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107745
Disaster Response: Lessons Learned in Supporting Mothers and Young Children
WASHINGTON, July 28 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Disaster Response: Lessons Learned in Supporting Mothers and Young Children
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#Fast Facts
Mothers and young children have unique care and feeding needs, which can be harder to meet during natural disasters.
This Q&A looks at how the Federal Emergency Management Agency supports mothers and young children during disasters.
Local, state, and nonprofit organizations shared examples of how they've helped mothers and children during disasters-including prioritizing private hotel rooms for mothers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 28 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Disaster Response: Lessons Learned in Supporting Mothers and Young Children
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#Fast Facts
Mothers and young children have unique care and feeding needs, which can be harder to meet during natural disasters.
This Q&A looks at how the Federal Emergency Management Agency supports mothers and young children during disasters.
Local, state, and nonprofit organizations shared examples of how they've helped mothers and children during disasters-including prioritizing private hotel rooms for mothersand helping children process emotions during a disaster. FEMA has helped these organizations prepare supplies and services and fulfilled requests like medical transports for newborn infants.
A mother holding and feeding her baby with a bottle.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The unique needs of mothers and young children during disasters include appropriate sheltering, feeding and care supplies, medical and mental health support, and other services, according to relevant literature and disaster service providers from selected local, state, and nonprofit organizations. For example, large shelters may not be the best option for families with infants. Mothers also often need diapers, baby food, and infant formula.
Service providers from 12 local, state, and nonprofit organizations GAO interviewed discussed ways they have supported mothers and young children-including pregnant or postpartum women and infants and children who are not yet in school-during disasters. For example, providers said they may prioritize mothers and children for private sheltering, such as hotel rooms, or ensure that mass shelters have private nursing spaces. Providers also said they provide coloring and reading books about disasters to help children process their emotions and trauma.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assisted disaster providers in efforts to prepare supplies and services for mothers and young children prior to a disaster. For example, FEMA has issued guidance on and held stockpiles of infant and toddler feeding and care supplies. In addition, GAO identified four examples in which FEMA had fulfilled requests for assistance from service providers, such as providing medical transports for newborn infants, during disasters in 2024.
FEMA officials shared lessons learned from serving mothers and young children during disasters, such as to evacuate children with their families to avoid the challenges of reunification. Service providers GAO interviewed also shared lessons they learned, such as to prioritize infant formula that can be used without power or safe drinking water and to ensure that mothers and service providers are aware of safe infant feeding practices.
Figure: Examples of Observations from Service Providers from One Organization That Helped Mothers and Young Children During Hurricane Helene in 2024
#Why GAO Did This Study
Natural disasters can devastate communities and displace survivors. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, survivors need food, water, shelter, and other supports. Studies and reports about past disasters have shown that mothers and young children may be particularly vulnerable. In 2025, GAO added Improving the Delivery of Federal Disaster Assistance to its High Risk List.
GAO was asked to examine supports for mothers and young children during immediate disaster response. This report describes some of the unique needs of this population, how these needs are met, and how FEMA supports mothers and young children.
GAO reviewed relevant literature on the needs of mothers and children during disasters and interviewed disaster service providers from 12 local, state, and nonprofit organizations. These included organizations that contract with FEMA to provide disaster response, national and state organizations that are involved in disaster-related efforts, and service providers that specifically focus their efforts on mothers and young children. GAO selected these organizations based on the recommendations of GAO stakeholders and interview participants. GAO also selected organizations that had provided services to disaster survivors in five states selected for factors such as having major disasters in 2024 and counties in affected areas with large proportions of children under age 5.
GAO reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and documents and interviewed FEMA officials, including those overseeing regions that include the five selected states. GAO also examined data from FEMA's Web Emergency Operations Center database.
For more information, contact Kathryn A. Larin at LarinK@gao.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107790
Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Actions Needed to Address Maritime Security Risks
WASHINGTON, July 28 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Actions Needed to Address Maritime Security Risks
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#Fast Facts
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also referred to as the TWIC(r) card, helps protect U.S. ports from terrorist attacks. The Transportation Security Administration runs background checks on card applicants to ensure that they do not pose a threat to port facilities. About 2 million people had a TWIC(r) card as of June 2025, authorizing them to enter port facilities
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 28 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Actions Needed to Address Maritime Security Risks
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#Fast Facts
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also referred to as the TWIC(r) card, helps protect U.S. ports from terrorist attacks. The Transportation Security Administration runs background checks on card applicants to ensure that they do not pose a threat to port facilities. About 2 million people had a TWIC(r) card as of June 2025, authorizing them to enter port facilitieswithout an escort.
The U.S. Coast Guard inspects TWIC(r) cards at port facilities to help prevent unauthorized access. But we found a risk of people with revoked TWIC(r) cards entering port facilities.
Our recommendations address this and more.
U.S. Coast Guard Inspector Checking a Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Coast Guard inspector checking credential
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
TSA has taken some steps to communicate Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC(r)) program information with stakeholders. However, TSA relies on an ad hoc communication approach rather than a documented communication plan to determine how to share information with stakeholders. This has contributed to some stakeholders reporting that they experienced declining engagement with and delays receiving key program updates from TSA. Developing and implementing a communication plan could help TSA ensure that all stakeholders receive the information necessary to effectively operate the TWIC(r) program and reduce security risks.
The Coast Guard does not share or analyze all of the data it collects during inspections to oversee how facility operators implement the TWIC(r) program. For example, the Coast Guard collects data on deficiencies, a less severe form of noncompliance, and violations, a more severe form of noncompliance that can result in notices of violation or civil penalties. GAO's assessment of inspection findings for fiscal years 2019 through 2024 showed:
* 888 TWIC(r)-related deficiencies, such as operators not ensuring that facility personnel with security duties were qualified to perform their roles, and
* 83 TWIC(r) violations, such as unescorted individuals entering a secure area, highlighting areas that may warrant improvement.
However, the Coast Guard does not provide the data to TWIC(r) inspectors. According to officials, this is because the data did not relate to areas that would require a change to the program. However, by communicating the data with inspectors, regardless of their effect on the program, the Coast Guard could improve inspectors' awareness of TWIC(r)-related risks.
Total Number of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC(r))-related Deficiencies and Violations, Fiscal Years 2019-2024
#Why GAO Did This Study
The TWIC(r) program aims to provide a tamper-resistant biometric card to maritime workers who require unescorted access to designated secure areas of facilities and vessels under Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulations. As of August 2025, more than 2 million individuals held a TWIC(r) credential.
TSA oversees TWIC(r) applicants' enrollment and background checks. The Coast Guard enforces certain TWIC(r) regulatory requirements, including by inspecting facilities for compliance.
The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 includes a provision for us to review TSA's security threat assessment programs and we were asked to review other aspects of TWIC(r) operations. This report examines (1) the extent to which TSA communicates TWIC(r) program information to stakeholders, and (2) the extent to which the Coast Guard has overseen the implementation of the TWIC(r) program by facility operators, among other objectives.
GAO also examined TSA and Coast Guard policy and data for fiscal years 2019 through 2024. In addition, GAO interviewed agency officials and port stakeholders. To obtain a range of TWIC(r) perspectives, these stakeholders included TWIC(r) operators at facilities selected in part for diversity in size and geographic regions.
#Recommendations
GAO is making seven recommendations, including that the TSA Administrator implement a plan to communicate TWIC(r) information to stakeholders and that the Coast Guard communicate TWIC(r)-related violation and deficiency data with inspectors. The Department of Homeland Security concurred with these recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Transportation Security Administration The TSA Administrator should develop and implement a communication plan to systematically relay TWIC(r) program updates to stakeholders. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should communicate TWIC(r)-related violation and deficiency data with inspectors in the field who enforce TWIC(r) requirements. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should include deficiency data in its TWIC(r) performance measure reporting. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should develop a method to mitigate the risks of unauthorized individuals with TWIC(r) cards on the Canceled Card List accessing secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should coordinate with TSA, through DHS, to acquire TWIC(r) reader devices for use during inspections. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Transportation Security Administration The TSA Administrator should coordinate with the Coast Guard, through DHS, to acquire TWIC(r) readers for use during inspections, as appropriate. (Recommendation 6)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should develop and implement a plan on how it will issue final regulations to specify which facilities must have TWIC(r) card readers. (Recommendation 7)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 7 Recommendations
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107521
Rideshare and Taxi Safety: Information on Assault Data, Safety Features, and Background Checks
WASHINGTON, July 24 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Rideshare and Taxi Safety: Information on Assault Data, Safety Features, and Background Checks
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Fast Facts
Rideshare and taxi services help many Americans safely travel to work, run errands, and get to medical appointments. But there's concern about assaults on drivers and passengers using these services.
Our report describes:
Data on assaults against drivers and passengers
Examples of states' and localities' background check requirements for drivers
New safety features offered
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 24 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Rideshare and Taxi Safety: Information on Assault Data, Safety Features, and Background Checks
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Fast Facts
Rideshare and taxi services help many Americans safely travel to work, run errands, and get to medical appointments. But there's concern about assaults on drivers and passengers using these services.
Our report describes:
Data on assaults against drivers and passengers
Examples of states' and localities' background check requirements for drivers
New safety features offeredby rideshare companies-including identity verification and offering the ability to request a female rider or driver
Car with two passengers driving in the rain.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Rideshare and taxi services help meet the transportation needs of people in the U.S, but stakeholders have raised questions about the services' safety. Available data sources do not provide a full picture of the number of rideshare and taxi assaults against drivers and passengers from 2021 through 2025. There is no federal requirement to collect such data, but GAO identified some sources at the federal, local, and industry level. For example:
* Two federal databases provide some information. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 20 nonfatal injuries to taxi and rideshare drivers due to violent acts by other people from 2023 through 2024, not including self-employed drivers. Most rideshare and taxi drivers are self-employed (i.e., classified by companies as independent contractors).
* GAO analyzed police data in two cities and found 424 rideshare- and taxi-related assaults in Los Angeles from 2021 through 2023 and 109 in Chicago from 2023 through 2025. These assaults made up less than 1 percent of the overall number of reported assaults in each city during those time periods.
* Three ridesharing companies voluntarily report some assault data. For example, in 2021 and 2022, two companies publicly reported billions of rides, with a combined 52 fatal assaults and 4,469 of the five most serious types of sexual assault. One of these companies also reported 75,693 reported incidents of other types of sexual assault (e.g., attempted kissing and touching) and sexual misconduct (e.g., leering and explicit comments and gestures). As of June 2026, these companies have not reported the number of assaults for 2023 through 2025 or data on non-fatal physical assaults.
* Two taxi companies gave GAO non-public data on assaults. For example, one national taxi company identified that it had 17 verified reports of physical assault and three verified reports of sexual assault from 2021 through 2025.
Selected rideshare companies launched three new safety features, which add to features rideshare and taxi companies had in place.
New Rideshare Safety Features Since 2024
A driver advocacy group and some drivers GAO interviewed identified benefits of the new features. For example, drivers in four of five interviews GAO conducted appreciated the additional passenger verification features. However, they noted technical issues with certain video trip recordings. Representatives from one rideshare company said they have made improvements to the recording feature.
Why GAO Did This Study
Sami's Law, enacted in 2023, provides for GAO to study and report every 2 years on the safety of rideshare and taxi drivers and passengers. GAO issued two reports in 2024 on this topic. Specifically, GAO reported on the lack of assault data in GAO-24-106742. In GAO-24-107093, GAO reported on the range of in-application and in-vehicle features that rideshare and taxi companies offer to help ensure safety.
This report describes (1) available data on the number of assaults on rideshare and taxi drivers and passengers from 2021 through 2025 and (2) safety features selected rideshare and taxi companies have implemented since 2024, among other topics.
To conduct this work, GAO collected and analyzed available data from two federal databases and two city databases that GAO previously identified as tracking rideshare and taxi assault data. GAO also reviewed documents and interviewed representatives from a nongeneralizable selection of four rideshare and four taxi companies. GAO selected companies to vary in size and location, among other factors. GAO analyzed data from three ridesharing companies' public reports and websites. GAO requested additional non-public data from all eight companies to further understand the scope of assaults. Two taxi companies provided data; three rideshare companies declined to provide non-public data; and the other two taxi companies and one rideshare company do not maintain databases with which to track assault data. Therefore, this report uses publicly reported company data and attributes the information as appropriate throughout. GAO also conducted five nongeneralizable group interviews with nine self-identified rideshare drivers and individual interviews with 15 taxi drivers.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Repko at repkoe@gao.gov and Nathan Tranquilli at tranquillin@gao.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108552
