GAO Reports
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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
WASHINGTON, July 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
*
Fast Facts
We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet.
Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on
Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide
Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts
We also ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort * Fast Facts We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet. Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts We alsodiscuss recommendations we've made.
GAO Testimony to Congress written next to an image of the U.S. Capitol.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Federal broadband efforts are fragmented, with over 100 programs administered by 15 agencies, as GAO reported in May 2022. Some programs support broadband as their main purpose, while others support broadband as one possible purpose (see figure).
The Mosaic of Federal Programs with Broadband as a Main Purpose as of November 2021, by Purpose Category
GAO has found that a national strategy, continued interagency coordination, and better mapping data could strengthen federal broadband efforts.
National Strategy. Strategies to coordinate programs that address issues of broad national need can help mitigate the negative effects of fragmented federal programs, but no national strategy exists for federal broadband efforts. In May 2022, GAO recommended creating such a strategy to synchronize these efforts.
Interagency Coordination. With or without a national strategy, effective coordination among agencies that administer broadband programs is also important. In April 2025, GAO reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and the Treasury coordinate to administer the bulk of federal broadband funding and have mechanisms in place to do so. GAO recommended improvements to further strengthen those efforts. Agency officials reported taking steps to implement these recommendations, but have not yet fully addressed them, as of July 2026.
Mapping Data. Agencies rely on FCC's National Broadband Map-which displays where broadband is already available-to target tens of billions of dollars in federal broadband funding, but the accuracy of the map's availability data is uncertain. In April 2025, GAO recommended FCC document and evaluate the effectiveness of its processes for ensuring the map's data quality. Not doing so could increase the risk of inaccurate data on the map, which could jeopardize agencies' ability to make effective funding decisions. FCC has not yet addressed the recommendations as of July 2026, but officials reported taking steps to do so.
Why GAO Did This Study
Access to broadband is critical for employment, education, health care, and other daily activities. The federal government has invested tens of billions of dollars over the past decade across a myriad of broadband-related programs managed by different agencies. Yet millions of Americans lack broadband access.
Information on where broadband is already available is key to expanding access. Coordination among the federal agencies that administer the various federal programs is also key, particularly since U.S. broadband efforts are not guided by an overarching national strategy.
This testimony discusses findings from GAO's previous reports on (1) a national broadband strategy and interagency coordination efforts, and (2) FCC's efforts to ensure the quality of data in its National Broadband Map. It is primarily based on GAO's May 2022 and April 2025 reports.
Recommendations
In May 2022, GAO recommended that the Executive Office of the President develop a national broadband strategy. The Executive Office of the President did not take a position on the recommendation. In April 2025, GAO recommended that FCC, NTIA, USDA, and Treasury strengthen aspects of their coordination; and that FCC strengthen aspects of its processes for ensuring the quality of the National Broadband Map's data. FCC, NTIA, and Treasury agreed with these recommendations; USDA did not take a position. GAO will continue to monitor the agencies' progress in implementing the recommendations.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109297
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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
*
Fast Facts
We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet.
Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on
Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide
Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts
We also ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort * Fast Facts We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet. Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts We alsodiscuss recommendations we've made.
GAO Testimony to Congress written next to an image of the U.S. Capitol.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Federal broadband efforts are fragmented, with over 100 programs administered by 15 agencies, as GAO reported in May 2022. Some programs support broadband as their main purpose, while others support broadband as one possible purpose (see figure).
The Mosaic of Federal Programs with Broadband as a Main Purpose as of November 2021, by Purpose Category
GAO has found that a national strategy, continued interagency coordination, and better mapping data could strengthen federal broadband efforts.
National Strategy. Strategies to coordinate programs that address issues of broad national need can help mitigate the negative effects of fragmented federal programs, but no national strategy exists for federal broadband efforts. In May 2022, GAO recommended creating such a strategy to synchronize these efforts.
Interagency Coordination. With or without a national strategy, effective coordination among agencies that administer broadband programs is also important. In April 2025, GAO reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and the Treasury coordinate to administer the bulk of federal broadband funding and have mechanisms in place to do so. GAO recommended improvements to further strengthen those efforts. Agency officials reported taking steps to implement these recommendations, but have not yet fully addressed them, as of July 2026.
Mapping Data. Agencies rely on FCC's National Broadband Map-which displays where broadband is already available-to target tens of billions of dollars in federal broadband funding, but the accuracy of the map's availability data is uncertain. In April 2025, GAO recommended FCC document and evaluate the effectiveness of its processes for ensuring the map's data quality. Not doing so could increase the risk of inaccurate data on the map, which could jeopardize agencies' ability to make effective funding decisions. FCC has not yet addressed the recommendations as of July 2026, but officials reported taking steps to do so.
Why GAO Did This Study
Access to broadband is critical for employment, education, health care, and other daily activities. The federal government has invested tens of billions of dollars over the past decade across a myriad of broadband-related programs managed by different agencies. Yet millions of Americans lack broadband access.
Information on where broadband is already available is key to expanding access. Coordination among the federal agencies that administer the various federal programs is also key, particularly since U.S. broadband efforts are not guided by an overarching national strategy.
This testimony discusses findings from GAO's previous reports on (1) a national broadband strategy and interagency coordination efforts, and (2) FCC's efforts to ensure the quality of data in its National Broadband Map. It is primarily based on GAO's May 2022 and April 2025 reports.
Recommendations
In May 2022, GAO recommended that the Executive Office of the President develop a national broadband strategy. The Executive Office of the President did not take a position on the recommendation. In April 2025, GAO recommended that FCC, NTIA, USDA, and Treasury strengthen aspects of their coordination; and that FCC strengthen aspects of its processes for ensuring the quality of the National Broadband Map's data. FCC, NTIA, and Treasury agreed with these recommendations; USDA did not take a position. GAO will continue to monitor the agencies' progress in implementing the recommendations.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109297
Tax Regulations: Opportunities Exist to Improve Economic Analysis and Taxpayer Engagement
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Tax Regulations: Opportunities Exist to Improve Economic Analysis and Taxpayer Engagement
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Fast Facts
Treasury and IRS issue regulations to help taxpayers understand and apply tax law. We looked at how Treasury and IRS engage with taxpayers when they make these regulations.
We found that officials risk being overwhelmed by the volume of public comments. Members of the public also reported using AI to help write comments. AI can write slightly different comments on the same issue for ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Tax Regulations: Opportunities Exist to Improve Economic Analysis and Taxpayer Engagement * Fast Facts Treasury and IRS issue regulations to help taxpayers understand and apply tax law. We looked at how Treasury and IRS engage with taxpayers when they make these regulations. We found that officials risk being overwhelmed by the volume of public comments. Members of the public also reported using AI to help write comments. AI can write slightly different comments on the same issue foreach person, making near-duplicate comments harder to identify.
Public hearings on regulations also don't have modern virtual participation options, and the comments in them aren't always documented.
We recommended addressing these and other issues.
The Regulations.gov website on a tablet.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed 236 tax regulations and finalized 231 regulations between January 21, 2017, and March 31, 2026. These regulations included those that implemented provisions of the sweeping tax law changes of 2017, 2022, and 2025. IRS rulemaking procedures generally provided the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed tax regulations.
GAO found that Treasury and IRS could improve the usefulness of regulatory economic analyses required for economically significant tax regulations which have $100 million or more in economic effects, with 28 tax regulations designated as such in the period GAO reviewed. Treasury and IRS consistently used one of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) recommended practices for the economically significant regulations reviewed. This practice of analyzing alternative ways to design the regulations resulted in decisions that made it easier for taxpayers to claim new tax benefits. However, Treasury and IRS used other recommended practices less consistently. These practices, if used, would help Treasury and IRS make more informed selections of regulatory alternatives by providing specific cost, benefit, and revenue estimates.
Use of Recommended Analysis Practices for Selected Final Tax Regulations
Treasury and IRS are not following leading practices for public engagement in rulemaking and risk not being prepared to address voluminous public comments, sometimes tens of thousands, on proposed tax regulations. IRS faces increasing challenges with AI-generated public comments which make it more difficult for IRS to identify duplicate comments. IRS has not developed policies for addressing mass public comments or comments written with the assistance of AI. Treasury and IRS hold public hearings on proposed regulations in Washington, D.C., upon request. Effective virtual participation by members of the public from across the United States is challenging because IRS only uses dial-in technology rather than widely available video conferencing technology. A federal advisory agency recommends that agencies reduce barriers to public regulatory participation. GAO also identified additional opportunities to document public comments made at hearings to ensure important concerns are considered.
Why GAO Did This Study
In recent years, Treasury and IRS have been affected by significant legal decisions, changes in the requirements for rulemaking, and rapidly evolving technologies that enable mass public comments.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) directed GAO to oversee the use of IRA funds including Treasury and IRS regulatory actions. GAO's objectives included assessing: (1) the development of regulations in light of recent tax law changes, (2) the extent to which Treasury and IRS perform economic analysis for major tax regulations and measure revenue effects, and (3) the extent to which Treasury and IRS follow leading practices for public engagement in rulemaking.
GAO analyzed regulatory activity between January 2017 and March 2026; compared four selected regulatory economic analyses against recommended practices by OMB with the regulations selected, in part, because the economic analyses were the most relevant examples in selecting alternative regulatory designs; and compared public comment and regulatory hearing procedures against leading practices.
Recommendations
GAO is making six recommendations to Treasury and IRS, including providing more specific economic analyses, developing a policy to identify and document mass public comments including comments written with the assistance of AI, enhancing virtual participation in and documentation of regulatory hearings. Treasury agreed with two recommendations and disagreed with four recommendations. GAO maintains that implementation of all six recommendations would improve the development of tax regulations.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to include in regulatory economic analyses specific cost and benefit estimates to inform regulatory alternatives the agency is considering. (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 the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to include in regulatory economic analyses estimated changes in federal revenues to inform regulatory alternatives the agency is considering. (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 the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to summarize improved cost, benefit, and revenue estimates for regulatory decisions, when such estimates are made. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant Treasury officials to establish policies and procedures for the efficient identification, documentation, and disposition of mass public comments, including comments written with the assistance of AI, on proposed tax regulations, consistent with legal requirements. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant Treasury officials to establish policies and procedures for public regulatory hearings that enhance virtual participation options. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials, in coordination with relevant Treasury officials, to establish policies and procedures for public regulatory hearings that ensure documentation of important public comments made at hearings not otherwise documented through other means. (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
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108115
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Tax Regulations: Opportunities Exist to Improve Economic Analysis and Taxpayer Engagement
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Fast Facts
Treasury and IRS issue regulations to help taxpayers understand and apply tax law. We looked at how Treasury and IRS engage with taxpayers when they make these regulations.
We found that officials risk being overwhelmed by the volume of public comments. Members of the public also reported using AI to help write comments. AI can write slightly different comments on the same issue for ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Tax Regulations: Opportunities Exist to Improve Economic Analysis and Taxpayer Engagement * Fast Facts Treasury and IRS issue regulations to help taxpayers understand and apply tax law. We looked at how Treasury and IRS engage with taxpayers when they make these regulations. We found that officials risk being overwhelmed by the volume of public comments. Members of the public also reported using AI to help write comments. AI can write slightly different comments on the same issue foreach person, making near-duplicate comments harder to identify.
Public hearings on regulations also don't have modern virtual participation options, and the comments in them aren't always documented.
We recommended addressing these and other issues.
The Regulations.gov website on a tablet.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed 236 tax regulations and finalized 231 regulations between January 21, 2017, and March 31, 2026. These regulations included those that implemented provisions of the sweeping tax law changes of 2017, 2022, and 2025. IRS rulemaking procedures generally provided the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed tax regulations.
GAO found that Treasury and IRS could improve the usefulness of regulatory economic analyses required for economically significant tax regulations which have $100 million or more in economic effects, with 28 tax regulations designated as such in the period GAO reviewed. Treasury and IRS consistently used one of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) recommended practices for the economically significant regulations reviewed. This practice of analyzing alternative ways to design the regulations resulted in decisions that made it easier for taxpayers to claim new tax benefits. However, Treasury and IRS used other recommended practices less consistently. These practices, if used, would help Treasury and IRS make more informed selections of regulatory alternatives by providing specific cost, benefit, and revenue estimates.
Use of Recommended Analysis Practices for Selected Final Tax Regulations
Treasury and IRS are not following leading practices for public engagement in rulemaking and risk not being prepared to address voluminous public comments, sometimes tens of thousands, on proposed tax regulations. IRS faces increasing challenges with AI-generated public comments which make it more difficult for IRS to identify duplicate comments. IRS has not developed policies for addressing mass public comments or comments written with the assistance of AI. Treasury and IRS hold public hearings on proposed regulations in Washington, D.C., upon request. Effective virtual participation by members of the public from across the United States is challenging because IRS only uses dial-in technology rather than widely available video conferencing technology. A federal advisory agency recommends that agencies reduce barriers to public regulatory participation. GAO also identified additional opportunities to document public comments made at hearings to ensure important concerns are considered.
Why GAO Did This Study
In recent years, Treasury and IRS have been affected by significant legal decisions, changes in the requirements for rulemaking, and rapidly evolving technologies that enable mass public comments.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) directed GAO to oversee the use of IRA funds including Treasury and IRS regulatory actions. GAO's objectives included assessing: (1) the development of regulations in light of recent tax law changes, (2) the extent to which Treasury and IRS perform economic analysis for major tax regulations and measure revenue effects, and (3) the extent to which Treasury and IRS follow leading practices for public engagement in rulemaking.
GAO analyzed regulatory activity between January 2017 and March 2026; compared four selected regulatory economic analyses against recommended practices by OMB with the regulations selected, in part, because the economic analyses were the most relevant examples in selecting alternative regulatory designs; and compared public comment and regulatory hearing procedures against leading practices.
Recommendations
GAO is making six recommendations to Treasury and IRS, including providing more specific economic analyses, developing a policy to identify and document mass public comments including comments written with the assistance of AI, enhancing virtual participation in and documentation of regulatory hearings. Treasury agreed with two recommendations and disagreed with four recommendations. GAO maintains that implementation of all six recommendations would improve the development of tax regulations.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to include in regulatory economic analyses specific cost and benefit estimates to inform regulatory alternatives the agency is considering. (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 the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to include in regulatory economic analyses estimated changes in federal revenues to inform regulatory alternatives the agency is considering. (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 the Treasury The Secretary of the Treasury should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant IRS officials to summarize improved cost, benefit, and revenue estimates for regulatory decisions, when such estimates are made. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant Treasury officials to establish policies and procedures for the efficient identification, documentation, and disposition of mass public comments, including comments written with the assistance of AI, on proposed tax regulations, consistent with legal requirements. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials in coordination with relevant Treasury officials to establish policies and procedures for public regulatory hearings that enhance virtual participation options. (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.
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct agency officials, in coordination with relevant Treasury officials, to establish policies and procedures for public regulatory hearings that ensure documentation of important public comments made at hearings not otherwise documented through other means. (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
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108115
Program Integrity: Actions Needed to Reduce Improper Payment and Fraud Risks in VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Program Integrity: Actions Needed to Reduce Improper Payment and Fraud Risks in VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage
*
Fast Facts
In FY 2025, the VA's Community Care program made $608 million in payment errors and Medicare Advantage made $23.7 billion in payment errors. Both programs also paid fraudulent claims.
This report-the first in a series-summarizes VA and Medicare efforts to reduce payment errors and manage fraud risks. Neither agency has developed comprehensive fraud risk ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Program Integrity: Actions Needed to Reduce Improper Payment and Fraud Risks in VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage * Fast Facts In FY 2025, the VA's Community Care program made $608 million in payment errors and Medicare Advantage made $23.7 billion in payment errors. Both programs also paid fraudulent claims. This report-the first in a series-summarizes VA and Medicare efforts to reduce payment errors and manage fraud risks. Neither agency has developed comprehensive fraud riskassessments for its respective program. We also found:
VA has taken steps to identify and assess fraud risks
Medicare's efforts to address the root causes of Medicare Advantage payment errors haven't been effective
Our recommendations address these issues.
A stack of 100-dollar bills with a stethoscope on top.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Office of Management and Budget annually designates a list of programs considered high-priority for improper payments. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare Advantage program are two of the 30 programs designated as high priority for fiscal year 2025. VA reported a Community Care improper payment estimate of $608 million for fiscal year 2025, or 2.4 percent of the program's outlays. CMS reported a Medicare Advantage improper payment estimate of $23.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, or 6.1 percent of the program's outlays. GAO found gaps in the agencies' efforts to reduce improper payment and fraud risks.
Agency Efforts to Reduce Improper Payments and Fraud Risks
Community Care Program
Medicare Advantage Program
Developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments
* *
Developed, implemented, and monitored corrective action plans that adequately address the identified root causes of improper payments
* *
Conducted a fraud risk assessment that identifies inherent fraud risks, assesses their likelihood and impact, determines risk tolerance, evaluates controls, and documents a fraud risk profile
* *
Legend: * Met; * Partially met; * Not met.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-107946
Note: Analysis based on the results of GAO work completed from November 2024 through June 2026.
For the fiscal years included in GAO's review, VA developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments in the Community Care program. VA also developed, implemented, and monitored corrective action plans that adequately address the identified root causes. While VA has taken steps to identify and assess fraud risks, these efforts do not meet the key elements of a fraud risk assessment and have not resulted in a comprehensive fraud risk assessment for the program, leaving it vulnerable to fraud.
For the fiscal years included in GAO's review, CMS developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments in the Medicare Advantage program. However, its estimated improper payment rate has not decreased but remained steady. CMS's corrective action plans are not sufficiently detailed and do not adequately monitor progress. Specifically, CMS does not have a detailed plan for expediting Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audits. These audits are CMS's primary corrective action for identifying and recovering improper payments. CMS's backlog of RADV audits contributes to significant delays in its recovery efforts. Furthermore, CMS has not conducted a comprehensive fraud risk assessment for the program. CMS's efforts to reduce improper payments and fraud in the Medicare Advantage program will be inadequate without comprehensive corrective action plans and fraud risk assessments.
Why GAO Did This Study
Reducing improper payments and fraud is critical to safeguarding federal funds and could help achieve cost savings and improve the government's fiscal position.
GAO was asked to assess agency efforts to identify and address root causes of improper payments and fraud. In this report, GAO examines to what extent (1) VA has taken steps to identify and address the root causes of improper payments and mitigate fraud risks in the Community Care program and (2) CMS has taken steps to identify and address the root causes of improper payments and mitigate fraud risks in the Medicare Advantage program.
GAO examined documentation from VA, CMS, PaymentAccuracy.gov, and prior reports from agency Offices of Inspector General (OIG). GAO also interviewed agency officials, OIG staff, and trade association representatives.
Recommendations
GAO recommends that VA conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Community Care program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. VA concurred with the recommendation.
GAO recommends that CMS establish and document a detailed plan for expediting RADV audits and conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Medicare Advantage program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. CMS neither agreed nor disagreed with the recommendations. CMS also described past actions it has taken that it believes address GAO's recommendations. GAO maintains new CMS actions are warranted, as discussed in the report.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Veterans Affairs The Department of Veterans Affairs' Under Secretary for Health should conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Community Care program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. (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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should establish and document a detailed plan for expediting RADV audits, including cost estimates, planned completion dates, and metrics for monitoring implementation progress and effectiveness in reducing improper payments. (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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Medicare Advantage program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107946
* * *
Program Integrity: Actions Needed to Reduce Improper Payment and Fraud Risks in VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage
*
Fast Facts
In FY 2025, the VA's Community Care program made $608 million in payment errors and Medicare Advantage made $23.7 billion in payment errors. Both programs also paid fraudulent claims.
This report-the first in a series-summarizes VA and Medicare efforts to reduce payment errors and manage fraud risks. Neither agency has developed comprehensive fraud risk ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Program Integrity: Actions Needed to Reduce Improper Payment and Fraud Risks in VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage * Fast Facts In FY 2025, the VA's Community Care program made $608 million in payment errors and Medicare Advantage made $23.7 billion in payment errors. Both programs also paid fraudulent claims. This report-the first in a series-summarizes VA and Medicare efforts to reduce payment errors and manage fraud risks. Neither agency has developed comprehensive fraud riskassessments for its respective program. We also found:
VA has taken steps to identify and assess fraud risks
Medicare's efforts to address the root causes of Medicare Advantage payment errors haven't been effective
Our recommendations address these issues.
A stack of 100-dollar bills with a stethoscope on top.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Office of Management and Budget annually designates a list of programs considered high-priority for improper payments. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare Advantage program are two of the 30 programs designated as high priority for fiscal year 2025. VA reported a Community Care improper payment estimate of $608 million for fiscal year 2025, or 2.4 percent of the program's outlays. CMS reported a Medicare Advantage improper payment estimate of $23.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, or 6.1 percent of the program's outlays. GAO found gaps in the agencies' efforts to reduce improper payment and fraud risks.
Agency Efforts to Reduce Improper Payments and Fraud Risks
Community Care Program
Medicare Advantage Program
Developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments
* *
Developed, implemented, and monitored corrective action plans that adequately address the identified root causes of improper payments
* *
Conducted a fraud risk assessment that identifies inherent fraud risks, assesses their likelihood and impact, determines risk tolerance, evaluates controls, and documents a fraud risk profile
* *
Legend: * Met; * Partially met; * Not met.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-107946
Note: Analysis based on the results of GAO work completed from November 2024 through June 2026.
For the fiscal years included in GAO's review, VA developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments in the Community Care program. VA also developed, implemented, and monitored corrective action plans that adequately address the identified root causes. While VA has taken steps to identify and assess fraud risks, these efforts do not meet the key elements of a fraud risk assessment and have not resulted in a comprehensive fraud risk assessment for the program, leaving it vulnerable to fraud.
For the fiscal years included in GAO's review, CMS developed and implemented a process to identify and assess the root causes of improper payments in the Medicare Advantage program. However, its estimated improper payment rate has not decreased but remained steady. CMS's corrective action plans are not sufficiently detailed and do not adequately monitor progress. Specifically, CMS does not have a detailed plan for expediting Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audits. These audits are CMS's primary corrective action for identifying and recovering improper payments. CMS's backlog of RADV audits contributes to significant delays in its recovery efforts. Furthermore, CMS has not conducted a comprehensive fraud risk assessment for the program. CMS's efforts to reduce improper payments and fraud in the Medicare Advantage program will be inadequate without comprehensive corrective action plans and fraud risk assessments.
Why GAO Did This Study
Reducing improper payments and fraud is critical to safeguarding federal funds and could help achieve cost savings and improve the government's fiscal position.
GAO was asked to assess agency efforts to identify and address root causes of improper payments and fraud. In this report, GAO examines to what extent (1) VA has taken steps to identify and address the root causes of improper payments and mitigate fraud risks in the Community Care program and (2) CMS has taken steps to identify and address the root causes of improper payments and mitigate fraud risks in the Medicare Advantage program.
GAO examined documentation from VA, CMS, PaymentAccuracy.gov, and prior reports from agency Offices of Inspector General (OIG). GAO also interviewed agency officials, OIG staff, and trade association representatives.
Recommendations
GAO recommends that VA conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Community Care program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. VA concurred with the recommendation.
GAO recommends that CMS establish and document a detailed plan for expediting RADV audits and conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Medicare Advantage program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. CMS neither agreed nor disagreed with the recommendations. CMS also described past actions it has taken that it believes address GAO's recommendations. GAO maintains new CMS actions are warranted, as discussed in the report.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Veterans Affairs The Department of Veterans Affairs' Under Secretary for Health should conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Community Care program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. (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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should establish and document a detailed plan for expediting RADV audits, including cost estimates, planned completion dates, and metrics for monitoring implementation progress and effectiveness in reducing improper payments. (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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should conduct a comprehensive fraud risk assessment of the Medicare Advantage program that aligns with leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107946
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: DOT Should Take Steps to Address Risks Related to Limited Driver Visibility
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: DOT Should Take Steps to Address Risks Related to Limited Driver Visibility
*
Fast Facts
About 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2024-a 65% increase since 2010. Larger vehicles and reduced driver visibility may be contributing factors. We found that larger vehicles performing certain lower-visibility maneuvers pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
The Department of Transportation began looking into driver visibility ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: DOT Should Take Steps to Address Risks Related to Limited Driver Visibility * Fast Facts About 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2024-a 65% increase since 2010. Larger vehicles and reduced driver visibility may be contributing factors. We found that larger vehicles performing certain lower-visibility maneuvers pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The Department of Transportation began looking into driver visibilityissues, but it can do more. Specifically, it doesn't have a way to measure areas a driver can't see and hasn't fully analyzed how vehicle size or maneuvers affect visibility or fatalities.
We recommended addressing these issues to help reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
An adult holding the hand of a young child walking on a pedestrian crossing with a large vehicle closely approaching in front of them.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The size of passenger vehicles on U.S. roads has grown over the past 30 years. Selected studies that GAO reviewed generally found that larger vehicles, certain design features (see figure), and turning maneuvers may limit a driver's visibility and pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Data on driver visibility, such as the size of blind zones around a vehicle, are not readily available. As such, GAO used turning maneuvers to analyze the potential relationship between vehicle type and involvement in fatal pedestrian crashes. GAO found that larger vehicles had higher odds of turning compared with going straight in fatal pedestrian crashes than cars in the same scenarios. For example, heavy-duty trucks (e.g., semi-trucks) had at least 12 times the odds compared with cars.
Vehicle Design Features and Their Potential Relationship to Driver Visibility
Auto and truck manufacturers that GAO interviewed have developed technologies to help mitigate limited driver visibility, such as side bicyclist alerts and pedestrian automatic emergency braking. Manufacturers have also conducted testing and benchmarking of their vehicles to assess driver visibility.
Two selected foreign jurisdictions-the European Union (EU) and London, England-have taken steps to reduce risks to pedestrians and cyclists related to limited driver visibility. The EU has adopted driver visibility standards that auto and truck manufacturers must meet. While similar regulations also apply in the United Kingdom, London has developed a driver visibility standard that requires some commercial truck operators to install additional safety equipment.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recognized risks to pedestrians and cyclists related to driver visibility but has not fully analyzed those risks or developed responses. DOT has conducted some research and begun to collect data that could be useful in conducting such an analysis. However, it has not analyzed specific risks that limited driver visibility may pose to pedestrians and cyclists, such as those related to turning maneuvers or vehicle design features. DOT has not done so because, in part, it has not determined a method to measure driver visibility in cars and trucks. Such a method could provide data on the size of blind zones and enable DOT to fully analyze the extent to which they pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Fully analyzing specific risks would also provide DOT with the information it needs to respond to them, and would better position DOT to meet its goal of reducing roadway fatalities
Why GAO Did This Study
In 2024, about 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways-an increase of about 65 percent since 2010. A range of factors can contribute to increased pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, including larger vehicles, which make up an increasing share of vehicles on U.S. roadways and may limit driver visibility.
GAO was asked to review issues related to driver visibility. This report examines (1) what studies and federal data show about the relationship between vehicle characteristics, driver visibility, and pedestrian and cyclist fatalities; (2) actions selected auto and truck manufacturers have taken related to driver visibility; (3) approaches selected foreign jurisdictions have used to reduce driver visibility-related risks to pedestrians and cyclists; and (4) the extent to which DOT has analyzed and responded to potential driver visibility-related risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
GAO reviewed selected studies published from 2015 to 2025, analyzed DOT pedestrian fatality data, and selected and interviewed five auto and five truck manufacturers. GAO also reviewed driver visibility standards adopted by the EU and London and interviewed officials about their approaches. Finally, GAO reviewed DOT studies and planning documents and interviewed DOT officials.
Recommendations
GAO is recommending that DOT (1) determine a method to measure driver visibility, and (2) fully analyze risks that limited driver visibility poses to pedestrians and cyclists and develop responses to those risks. DOT concurred with the first recommendation and did not concur with the second. GAO continues to believe DOT should fully implement both recommendations, as discussed in the report.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should determine the appropriate method or methods for measuring driver visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, including the size of blind zones, for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. (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 Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should take steps to fully analyze and address risks that limited driver visibility poses to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Such steps include analyzing the factors related to driver visibility that may pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists, such as type of vehicle, different driving scenarios, and turning maneuvers, and determining actions to reduce risks. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107954
* * *
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: DOT Should Take Steps to Address Risks Related to Limited Driver Visibility
*
Fast Facts
About 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2024-a 65% increase since 2010. Larger vehicles and reduced driver visibility may be contributing factors. We found that larger vehicles performing certain lower-visibility maneuvers pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
The Department of Transportation began looking into driver visibility ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: DOT Should Take Steps to Address Risks Related to Limited Driver Visibility * Fast Facts About 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2024-a 65% increase since 2010. Larger vehicles and reduced driver visibility may be contributing factors. We found that larger vehicles performing certain lower-visibility maneuvers pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The Department of Transportation began looking into driver visibilityissues, but it can do more. Specifically, it doesn't have a way to measure areas a driver can't see and hasn't fully analyzed how vehicle size or maneuvers affect visibility or fatalities.
We recommended addressing these issues to help reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
An adult holding the hand of a young child walking on a pedestrian crossing with a large vehicle closely approaching in front of them.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The size of passenger vehicles on U.S. roads has grown over the past 30 years. Selected studies that GAO reviewed generally found that larger vehicles, certain design features (see figure), and turning maneuvers may limit a driver's visibility and pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Data on driver visibility, such as the size of blind zones around a vehicle, are not readily available. As such, GAO used turning maneuvers to analyze the potential relationship between vehicle type and involvement in fatal pedestrian crashes. GAO found that larger vehicles had higher odds of turning compared with going straight in fatal pedestrian crashes than cars in the same scenarios. For example, heavy-duty trucks (e.g., semi-trucks) had at least 12 times the odds compared with cars.
Vehicle Design Features and Their Potential Relationship to Driver Visibility
Auto and truck manufacturers that GAO interviewed have developed technologies to help mitigate limited driver visibility, such as side bicyclist alerts and pedestrian automatic emergency braking. Manufacturers have also conducted testing and benchmarking of their vehicles to assess driver visibility.
Two selected foreign jurisdictions-the European Union (EU) and London, England-have taken steps to reduce risks to pedestrians and cyclists related to limited driver visibility. The EU has adopted driver visibility standards that auto and truck manufacturers must meet. While similar regulations also apply in the United Kingdom, London has developed a driver visibility standard that requires some commercial truck operators to install additional safety equipment.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recognized risks to pedestrians and cyclists related to driver visibility but has not fully analyzed those risks or developed responses. DOT has conducted some research and begun to collect data that could be useful in conducting such an analysis. However, it has not analyzed specific risks that limited driver visibility may pose to pedestrians and cyclists, such as those related to turning maneuvers or vehicle design features. DOT has not done so because, in part, it has not determined a method to measure driver visibility in cars and trucks. Such a method could provide data on the size of blind zones and enable DOT to fully analyze the extent to which they pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Fully analyzing specific risks would also provide DOT with the information it needs to respond to them, and would better position DOT to meet its goal of reducing roadway fatalities
Why GAO Did This Study
In 2024, about 9,200 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roadways-an increase of about 65 percent since 2010. A range of factors can contribute to increased pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, including larger vehicles, which make up an increasing share of vehicles on U.S. roadways and may limit driver visibility.
GAO was asked to review issues related to driver visibility. This report examines (1) what studies and federal data show about the relationship between vehicle characteristics, driver visibility, and pedestrian and cyclist fatalities; (2) actions selected auto and truck manufacturers have taken related to driver visibility; (3) approaches selected foreign jurisdictions have used to reduce driver visibility-related risks to pedestrians and cyclists; and (4) the extent to which DOT has analyzed and responded to potential driver visibility-related risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
GAO reviewed selected studies published from 2015 to 2025, analyzed DOT pedestrian fatality data, and selected and interviewed five auto and five truck manufacturers. GAO also reviewed driver visibility standards adopted by the EU and London and interviewed officials about their approaches. Finally, GAO reviewed DOT studies and planning documents and interviewed DOT officials.
Recommendations
GAO is recommending that DOT (1) determine a method to measure driver visibility, and (2) fully analyze risks that limited driver visibility poses to pedestrians and cyclists and develop responses to those risks. DOT concurred with the first recommendation and did not concur with the second. GAO continues to believe DOT should fully implement both recommendations, as discussed in the report.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should determine the appropriate method or methods for measuring driver visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, including the size of blind zones, for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. (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 Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should take steps to fully analyze and address risks that limited driver visibility poses to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Such steps include analyzing the factors related to driver visibility that may pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists, such as type of vehicle, different driving scenarios, and turning maneuvers, and determining actions to reduce risks. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107954
Federal Home Loan Banks: Role in Providing Liquidity and Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Federal Home Loan Banks: Role in Providing Liquidity and Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures
*
Fast Facts
We testified on the Federal Home Loan Banks' role in providing liquidity, particularly during financial stress.
Our testimony, given before the House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, is based on:
* FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures
* FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Role During Financial Stress ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Federal Home Loan Banks: Role in Providing Liquidity and Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures * Fast Facts We testified on the Federal Home Loan Banks' role in providing liquidity, particularly during financial stress. Our testimony, given before the House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, is based on: * FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures * FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Role During Financial Stressand Members' Borrowing Trends and Outcomes
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System is a government-sponsored enterprise that consists of 11 federally chartered FHLBanks that support liquidity in the financial system by making loans-known as advances-to member financial institutions, including banks. These advances offer member institutions a low-cost source of funding to make mortgage loans or manage the risk of not meeting financial obligations in a timely and cost-efficient manner (liquidity risk).
A December 2025 GAO report found that as of June 2025, 93 percent of banks were FHLBank members and more than three-quarters had taken out at least one advance from June 2015 through June 2025. GAO's analysis of banks' quarterly Call Report data found that large banks-those with more than $10 billion in total assets-were responsible for a majority of banks' FHLBank borrowing in this period. These banks represented approximately 3 percent of active FHLBanks members and held, on average, nearly 74 percent of all outstanding FHLBank borrowing during the period.
A March 2024 GAO report found that Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank had borrowed substantial advances before their failures in spring 2023.
* Silicon Valley Bank increased the balance of its outstanding advances by 50 percent in the first week of March 2023 before its failure on March 10.
* Signature Bank increased its outstanding advances by 37 percent in March 2023 before its failure on March 12.
The two FHLBanks continued to assess risk and provide advances to the two banks before they failed. FHLBanks generally lend to members if the requested amount is within the member's available borrowing capacity based on its pledged collateral or credit limit. FHLBanks may limit or deny advances based on supervisory information from the member's primary regulator. The FHLBanks and federal banking regulators increased their frequency of communication in March 2023, but the banks' relatively fast decline limited further action.
Timely coordination between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks is critical when a bank is at risk. This coordination must negotiate overlap in membership between the two systems. The March 2023 bank failures revealed such coordination challenges. After March 2023, the FHLBanks and Federal Reserve System initiated two efforts to improve coordination during periods of stress: (1) increasing engagement between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks and (2) establishing a working group to improve interoperability.
These efforts are intended to address the coordination challenges experienced during the March 2023 bank failures and are consistent with federal internal control standards related to control activities and information and communication. At the time of GAO's December 2025 report, these efforts were in the early stages. Continued commitment to these coordination efforts will be important to help ensure that the FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks are prepared to respond quickly to member liquidity needs during future periods of financial stress.
Why GAO Did This Study
The failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023 renewed questions about the FHLBanks' role in providing liquidity during periods of financial stress. In the weeks leading up to the failures, these banks had borrowed large sums from their FHLBanks. That same month, total advances outstanding to all members reached about $1 trillion, exceeding levels reached during previous financial market disruptions.
This statement discusses (1) the FHLBank System's role in providing financial system liquidity through advances, (2) banks' use of advances during the March 2023 bank failures, and (3) efforts to improve emergency coordination between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks.
This statement is based on reports GAO issued from April 2023 to December 2025. For those reports, GAO reviewed relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and agency reports, and interviewed federal officials, representatives of FHLBanks and member banks, and other stakeholders.
For more information, contact Jill Naamane at NaamaneJ@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109282
* * *
Federal Home Loan Banks: Role in Providing Liquidity and Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures
*
Fast Facts
We testified on the Federal Home Loan Banks' role in providing liquidity, particularly during financial stress.
Our testimony, given before the House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, is based on:
* FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures
* FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Role During Financial Stress ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Federal Home Loan Banks: Role in Providing Liquidity and Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures * Fast Facts We testified on the Federal Home Loan Banks' role in providing liquidity, particularly during financial stress. Our testimony, given before the House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, is based on: * FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Actions Related to the Spring 2023 Bank Failures * FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS: Role During Financial Stressand Members' Borrowing Trends and Outcomes
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System is a government-sponsored enterprise that consists of 11 federally chartered FHLBanks that support liquidity in the financial system by making loans-known as advances-to member financial institutions, including banks. These advances offer member institutions a low-cost source of funding to make mortgage loans or manage the risk of not meeting financial obligations in a timely and cost-efficient manner (liquidity risk).
A December 2025 GAO report found that as of June 2025, 93 percent of banks were FHLBank members and more than three-quarters had taken out at least one advance from June 2015 through June 2025. GAO's analysis of banks' quarterly Call Report data found that large banks-those with more than $10 billion in total assets-were responsible for a majority of banks' FHLBank borrowing in this period. These banks represented approximately 3 percent of active FHLBanks members and held, on average, nearly 74 percent of all outstanding FHLBank borrowing during the period.
A March 2024 GAO report found that Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank had borrowed substantial advances before their failures in spring 2023.
* Silicon Valley Bank increased the balance of its outstanding advances by 50 percent in the first week of March 2023 before its failure on March 10.
* Signature Bank increased its outstanding advances by 37 percent in March 2023 before its failure on March 12.
The two FHLBanks continued to assess risk and provide advances to the two banks before they failed. FHLBanks generally lend to members if the requested amount is within the member's available borrowing capacity based on its pledged collateral or credit limit. FHLBanks may limit or deny advances based on supervisory information from the member's primary regulator. The FHLBanks and federal banking regulators increased their frequency of communication in March 2023, but the banks' relatively fast decline limited further action.
Timely coordination between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks is critical when a bank is at risk. This coordination must negotiate overlap in membership between the two systems. The March 2023 bank failures revealed such coordination challenges. After March 2023, the FHLBanks and Federal Reserve System initiated two efforts to improve coordination during periods of stress: (1) increasing engagement between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks and (2) establishing a working group to improve interoperability.
These efforts are intended to address the coordination challenges experienced during the March 2023 bank failures and are consistent with federal internal control standards related to control activities and information and communication. At the time of GAO's December 2025 report, these efforts were in the early stages. Continued commitment to these coordination efforts will be important to help ensure that the FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks are prepared to respond quickly to member liquidity needs during future periods of financial stress.
Why GAO Did This Study
The failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023 renewed questions about the FHLBanks' role in providing liquidity during periods of financial stress. In the weeks leading up to the failures, these banks had borrowed large sums from their FHLBanks. That same month, total advances outstanding to all members reached about $1 trillion, exceeding levels reached during previous financial market disruptions.
This statement discusses (1) the FHLBank System's role in providing financial system liquidity through advances, (2) banks' use of advances during the March 2023 bank failures, and (3) efforts to improve emergency coordination between FHLBanks and Federal Reserve Banks.
This statement is based on reports GAO issued from April 2023 to December 2025. For those reports, GAO reviewed relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and agency reports, and interviewed federal officials, representatives of FHLBanks and member banks, and other stakeholders.
For more information, contact Jill Naamane at NaamaneJ@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109282
National Transportation Safety Board: Use of Competitive and Noncompetitive Contract Awards to Acquire Products and Services
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
National Transportation Safety Board: Use of Competitive and Noncompetitive Contract Awards to Acquire Products and Services
*
Fast Facts
The National Transportation Safety Board investigates certain significant transportation accidents, and issues recommendations to prevent future incidents. To help with its mission, NTSB purchases a variety of products-such as lab equipment-and services through competitive and noncompetitive awarded contracts.
In this Q&A, we looked at the contracts ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * National Transportation Safety Board: Use of Competitive and Noncompetitive Contract Awards to Acquire Products and Services * Fast Facts The National Transportation Safety Board investigates certain significant transportation accidents, and issues recommendations to prevent future incidents. To help with its mission, NTSB purchases a variety of products-such as lab equipment-and services through competitive and noncompetitive awarded contracts. In this Q&A, we looked at the contractsNTSB awarded during FYs 2020-2024.
We found that, during this period:
NTSB obligated about $86 million in awarded contracts
Around 84% were competitively awarded; the rest were noncompetitive
Most of these awarded contracts were related to upgrading NTSB's IT systems
An Aircraft Accident Board Reviewing Plane Wreckage
People gathered around a table to analyze a damaged aircraft part.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates and determines the probable cause of transportation accidents in the United States, among other responsibilities, thus playing a vital role in advancing transportation safety. To support its mission, NTSB procures a variety of products (e.g., laboratory equipment) and services (e.g., services to develop and maintain systems and applications used to investigate accidents). NTSB is generally required to promote full and open competition in awarding contracts. However, in some cases, NTSB may award contracts through noncompetitive procedures. According to NTSB officials, the agency awards contracts pursuant to applicable statutes, federal regulations, executive orders, and internal guidance. NTSB's policies and procedures for contracts include multiple reviews. Additional reviews or senior-level approvals are required for noncompetitive contract awards valued over $100,000 and for competitive contract awards valued over $500,000. In response to a February 2025 executive order, NTSB changed its policies to include that all new NTSB contract requirements with a value greater than $100,000 are approved by NTSB's Chairwoman prior to awarding a contract, unless approval has been delegated to NTSB's Managing Director.
For fiscal years 2020 through 2024, NTSB obligated a total of about $86 million on awarded contracts, adjusted for inflation to fiscal year 2024 dollars. About 84 percent of these obligations were on competitively awarded contracts and about 16 percent were on noncompetitively awarded contracts.
Obligations on competitively awarded contracts nearly doubled from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2024, from about $10 million in fiscal year 2020 to nearly $20 million in fiscal year 2024. NTSB officials attributed most of the increase in obligations on competitively awarded contracts to increased investments in information technology products and services. According to NTSB officials, these investments have allowed NTSB to improve investigation timeliness and to meet congressional expectations for efficient data and knowledge sharing. Obligations on noncompetitively awarded contracts also increased, though slightly, rising from about $2.5 million to about $2.6 million over that same time frame.
National Transportation Safety Board's Obligations on Competitively and Noncompetitively Awarded Contracts, Fiscal Years 2020-2024
Why GAO Did This Study
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes a provision for GAO to review NTSB's procurement and contracting planning, policies, and practices. This report describes NTSB's policies and procedures for competitively and noncompetitively awarded contracts and provides information on NTSB's obligations on awarded contracts for fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024.
GAO reviewed NTSB's contract obligation data for fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024, the most recent years of complete data available at the time of GAO's analysis. GAO downloaded the data from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), as of September 25, 2025, and determined that FPDS's obligation data were sufficiently reliable for GAO's purposes of describing NTSB's obligations on awarded contracts. GAO also reviewed statutes, regulations, an executive order, and guidance documents governing NTSB's contracting activities and interviewed NTSB officials about (1) contracting policies and procedures and (2) the reasons for obligation changes over time.
For more information, contact Derrick Collins at CollinsD@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108506
* * *
National Transportation Safety Board: Use of Competitive and Noncompetitive Contract Awards to Acquire Products and Services
*
Fast Facts
The National Transportation Safety Board investigates certain significant transportation accidents, and issues recommendations to prevent future incidents. To help with its mission, NTSB purchases a variety of products-such as lab equipment-and services through competitive and noncompetitive awarded contracts.
In this Q&A, we looked at the contracts ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * National Transportation Safety Board: Use of Competitive and Noncompetitive Contract Awards to Acquire Products and Services * Fast Facts The National Transportation Safety Board investigates certain significant transportation accidents, and issues recommendations to prevent future incidents. To help with its mission, NTSB purchases a variety of products-such as lab equipment-and services through competitive and noncompetitive awarded contracts. In this Q&A, we looked at the contractsNTSB awarded during FYs 2020-2024.
We found that, during this period:
NTSB obligated about $86 million in awarded contracts
Around 84% were competitively awarded; the rest were noncompetitive
Most of these awarded contracts were related to upgrading NTSB's IT systems
An Aircraft Accident Board Reviewing Plane Wreckage
People gathered around a table to analyze a damaged aircraft part.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates and determines the probable cause of transportation accidents in the United States, among other responsibilities, thus playing a vital role in advancing transportation safety. To support its mission, NTSB procures a variety of products (e.g., laboratory equipment) and services (e.g., services to develop and maintain systems and applications used to investigate accidents). NTSB is generally required to promote full and open competition in awarding contracts. However, in some cases, NTSB may award contracts through noncompetitive procedures. According to NTSB officials, the agency awards contracts pursuant to applicable statutes, federal regulations, executive orders, and internal guidance. NTSB's policies and procedures for contracts include multiple reviews. Additional reviews or senior-level approvals are required for noncompetitive contract awards valued over $100,000 and for competitive contract awards valued over $500,000. In response to a February 2025 executive order, NTSB changed its policies to include that all new NTSB contract requirements with a value greater than $100,000 are approved by NTSB's Chairwoman prior to awarding a contract, unless approval has been delegated to NTSB's Managing Director.
For fiscal years 2020 through 2024, NTSB obligated a total of about $86 million on awarded contracts, adjusted for inflation to fiscal year 2024 dollars. About 84 percent of these obligations were on competitively awarded contracts and about 16 percent were on noncompetitively awarded contracts.
Obligations on competitively awarded contracts nearly doubled from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2024, from about $10 million in fiscal year 2020 to nearly $20 million in fiscal year 2024. NTSB officials attributed most of the increase in obligations on competitively awarded contracts to increased investments in information technology products and services. According to NTSB officials, these investments have allowed NTSB to improve investigation timeliness and to meet congressional expectations for efficient data and knowledge sharing. Obligations on noncompetitively awarded contracts also increased, though slightly, rising from about $2.5 million to about $2.6 million over that same time frame.
National Transportation Safety Board's Obligations on Competitively and Noncompetitively Awarded Contracts, Fiscal Years 2020-2024
Why GAO Did This Study
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes a provision for GAO to review NTSB's procurement and contracting planning, policies, and practices. This report describes NTSB's policies and procedures for competitively and noncompetitively awarded contracts and provides information on NTSB's obligations on awarded contracts for fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024.
GAO reviewed NTSB's contract obligation data for fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024, the most recent years of complete data available at the time of GAO's analysis. GAO downloaded the data from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), as of September 25, 2025, and determined that FPDS's obligation data were sufficiently reliable for GAO's purposes of describing NTSB's obligations on awarded contracts. GAO also reviewed statutes, regulations, an executive order, and guidance documents governing NTSB's contracting activities and interviewed NTSB officials about (1) contracting policies and procedures and (2) the reasons for obligation changes over time.
For more information, contact Derrick Collins at CollinsD@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108506
Federal Programs: Assessing and Improving Effectiveness
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Federal Programs: Assessing and Improving Effectiveness
*
Highlights
GAO's work regularly finds that federal programs are unable to assess their performance to determine if they are solving the problem they were created to fix. By defining goals and collecting and using relevant data, agencies could make informed decisions to improve their programs' results.
The Big Picture
Each year, the federal government spends trillions of dollars on programs that Americans depend on, such as health ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Federal Programs: Assessing and Improving Effectiveness * Highlights GAO's work regularly finds that federal programs are unable to assess their performance to determine if they are solving the problem they were created to fix. By defining goals and collecting and using relevant data, agencies could make informed decisions to improve their programs' results. The Big Picture Each year, the federal government spends trillions of dollars on programs that Americans depend on, such as healthcare, public safety, and disaster support. Our recent reports have found that many federal programs do not have clearly defined goals to identify what they seek to achieve or relevant data to assess progress. Without this information, Congress and agency leaders cannot determine if federal programs funded by taxpayer dollars are delivering intended results and supporting the American people.
What GAO's Work Shows
Through a three-step process, federal agencies can monitor and manage the results of their programs.
The program performance management process
Federal programs do not consistently manage their performance. Our work often finds programs are focused on inputs (such as money to spend) and outputs (such as number of individuals who received benefits). By contrast, outcomes are the results of a program (such as number of individuals whose lives improved in an intended way).
Programs often lack information on outcomes because they operate without clear, measurable goals or data to assess their results. Agency leaders and Congress need this information to determine if programs are solving the problems they were created to fix, and in turn, if they are a good return on investment for taxpayer money.
Selected Federal Programs that GAO Previously Found Had Incomplete Performance Management Processes
Moreover, federal programs rarely work in isolation. Our work often identifies sets of related programs -within an agency or across multiple agencies-that seek to achieve the same outcomes and may create overlapping efforts.
We also find these related programs have not always defined goals or collected data to manage their performance. This creates the potential for waste and inefficiency. It limits decision-makers' abilities to (1) assess relative performance across programs and (2) make informed decisions to streamline efforts or provide resources to more effective programs.
Most Programs that Solely Support Pregnant Women, Young Children, and Their Families Had Established Performance Management Processes
Many pregnant women, children through age 5, and their families use support services like food assistance or childcare. In 2026, we identified 15 federal programs at five agencies that provide direct services only to this population.
Twelve of these 15 programs had performance management processes that set goals, collect data, and use the information to assess whether the programs are meeting goals. We recommended that the remaining three programs without these processes-one each at the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs-fully develop them to ensure programs are meeting goals, identifying potential improvements, and targeting resources appropriately.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
When we have identified opportunities to improve program performance by developing goals and collecting and using data, agencies have taken action to implement our recommendations.
Actions to Improve Performance Management for the Securing the Cities Program
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Securing the Cities program seeks to help state and local governments detect and deter nuclear terrorism. In 2019, we found that DHS did not collect information to fully track cities' use of the program's funds or assess performance. We recommended DHS do so.
Subsequently, we found in 2024 that the program had established goals, performance measures, and milestones, and conducted quarterly financial assessments. DHS is now better positioned to monitor the program's performance and identify any needed actions to improve results.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
Additional evidence is needed to determine program effectiveness. Because of its ongoing nature, performance management can serve as an early-warning system to identify the need for real-time improvements. Collecting evidence beyond performance data can help determine whether a program is working and why. This includes robust studies known as program evaluations, which can provide valuable insights on program performance.
Types of Program Evaluations and Insights
* Process evaluations assess the extent to which a program is being implemented as intended.
* Outcome evaluations assess whether (1) program activities are aligned with desired outcomes and (2) changes in outcomes are consistent with program goals.
* Impact evaluations assess the effect of a program by comparing results to what would have happened in its absence.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
When we asked federal managers in a 2020 survey about these robust evaluations, about one-third of respondents reported having access to them to help manage their programs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Statutory requirements provide a solid foundation for effective federal performance management. They have also increased agencies' use of performance data in decision-making, such as identifying program problems to address and developing new strategies.
In contrast, Congress and the administration often do not have the performance data and evidence they need to make informed improvements and target resources to individual programs or across related programs.
Our work has identified approaches to help ensure decision makers have sufficient information, including
* practices to help individual or sets of related programs manage performance and build evidence;
* practices to effectively coordinate, and a guide to evaluate and manage, related programs; and
* a guide to design program evaluations.
Consistently using these approaches could help agencies manage and assess their programs and provide policymakers and the public with vital information about federal program performance.
For more information, contact Lori Atkinson at atkinsonl@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109130
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Federal Programs: Assessing and Improving Effectiveness
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Highlights
GAO's work regularly finds that federal programs are unable to assess their performance to determine if they are solving the problem they were created to fix. By defining goals and collecting and using relevant data, agencies could make informed decisions to improve their programs' results.
The Big Picture
Each year, the federal government spends trillions of dollars on programs that Americans depend on, such as health ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Federal Programs: Assessing and Improving Effectiveness * Highlights GAO's work regularly finds that federal programs are unable to assess their performance to determine if they are solving the problem they were created to fix. By defining goals and collecting and using relevant data, agencies could make informed decisions to improve their programs' results. The Big Picture Each year, the federal government spends trillions of dollars on programs that Americans depend on, such as healthcare, public safety, and disaster support. Our recent reports have found that many federal programs do not have clearly defined goals to identify what they seek to achieve or relevant data to assess progress. Without this information, Congress and agency leaders cannot determine if federal programs funded by taxpayer dollars are delivering intended results and supporting the American people.
What GAO's Work Shows
Through a three-step process, federal agencies can monitor and manage the results of their programs.
The program performance management process
Federal programs do not consistently manage their performance. Our work often finds programs are focused on inputs (such as money to spend) and outputs (such as number of individuals who received benefits). By contrast, outcomes are the results of a program (such as number of individuals whose lives improved in an intended way).
Programs often lack information on outcomes because they operate without clear, measurable goals or data to assess their results. Agency leaders and Congress need this information to determine if programs are solving the problems they were created to fix, and in turn, if they are a good return on investment for taxpayer money.
Selected Federal Programs that GAO Previously Found Had Incomplete Performance Management Processes
Moreover, federal programs rarely work in isolation. Our work often identifies sets of related programs -within an agency or across multiple agencies-that seek to achieve the same outcomes and may create overlapping efforts.
We also find these related programs have not always defined goals or collected data to manage their performance. This creates the potential for waste and inefficiency. It limits decision-makers' abilities to (1) assess relative performance across programs and (2) make informed decisions to streamline efforts or provide resources to more effective programs.
Most Programs that Solely Support Pregnant Women, Young Children, and Their Families Had Established Performance Management Processes
Many pregnant women, children through age 5, and their families use support services like food assistance or childcare. In 2026, we identified 15 federal programs at five agencies that provide direct services only to this population.
Twelve of these 15 programs had performance management processes that set goals, collect data, and use the information to assess whether the programs are meeting goals. We recommended that the remaining three programs without these processes-one each at the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs-fully develop them to ensure programs are meeting goals, identifying potential improvements, and targeting resources appropriately.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
When we have identified opportunities to improve program performance by developing goals and collecting and using data, agencies have taken action to implement our recommendations.
Actions to Improve Performance Management for the Securing the Cities Program
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Securing the Cities program seeks to help state and local governments detect and deter nuclear terrorism. In 2019, we found that DHS did not collect information to fully track cities' use of the program's funds or assess performance. We recommended DHS do so.
Subsequently, we found in 2024 that the program had established goals, performance measures, and milestones, and conducted quarterly financial assessments. DHS is now better positioned to monitor the program's performance and identify any needed actions to improve results.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
Additional evidence is needed to determine program effectiveness. Because of its ongoing nature, performance management can serve as an early-warning system to identify the need for real-time improvements. Collecting evidence beyond performance data can help determine whether a program is working and why. This includes robust studies known as program evaluations, which can provide valuable insights on program performance.
Types of Program Evaluations and Insights
* Process evaluations assess the extent to which a program is being implemented as intended.
* Outcome evaluations assess whether (1) program activities are aligned with desired outcomes and (2) changes in outcomes are consistent with program goals.
* Impact evaluations assess the effect of a program by comparing results to what would have happened in its absence.
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-109130
When we asked federal managers in a 2020 survey about these robust evaluations, about one-third of respondents reported having access to them to help manage their programs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Statutory requirements provide a solid foundation for effective federal performance management. They have also increased agencies' use of performance data in decision-making, such as identifying program problems to address and developing new strategies.
In contrast, Congress and the administration often do not have the performance data and evidence they need to make informed improvements and target resources to individual programs or across related programs.
Our work has identified approaches to help ensure decision makers have sufficient information, including
* practices to help individual or sets of related programs manage performance and build evidence;
* practices to effectively coordinate, and a guide to evaluate and manage, related programs; and
* a guide to design program evaluations.
Consistently using these approaches could help agencies manage and assess their programs and provide policymakers and the public with vital information about federal program performance.
For more information, contact Lori Atkinson at atkinsonl@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109130
Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability
WASHINGTON, July 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability
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Fast Facts
The Navy is installing the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile on 3 ships and plans to add it to some future submarines. The Army is also buying the missile. Together, the services are investing over $50 billion in this effort.
But DOD doesn't have a comprehensive plan to help the Army and Navy coordinate on these purchases-preventing it from making cost-saving choices. ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability * Fast Facts The Navy is installing the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile on 3 ships and plans to add it to some future submarines. The Army is also buying the missile. Together, the services are investing over $50 billion in this effort. But DOD doesn't have a comprehensive plan to help the Army and Navy coordinate on these purchases-preventing it from making cost-saving choices.For example, Army and Navy officials coordinate on day-to-day operations. But they don't coordinate on bigger-picture issues, like how to invest money efficiently in the shared production line for the missile.
We recommended that DOD address these issues.
Flight Test of the Conventional Prompt Strike Hypersonic Missile
Photo of missile test
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Navy is currently 24 months behind in its efforts to modernize three DDG 1000 Zumwalt class destroyers to host the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile as part of its surface strike mission. Both the DDG 1000 and CPS efforts face challenges:
* Although modernization of the first ship in the class, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), was 94 percent complete as of January 2026, it is behind schedule due to unplanned work.
* The DDG 1000 class ships have unique systems, such as its radar, combat, and network systems, that are costly and difficult to sustain and maintain.
* The CPS effort was originally scheduled to begin flight testing on the DDG 1000 class in 2025 but this is now planned for 2027 due to funding and testing challenges.
* The CPS program encountered quality and production issues putting the current rate well below the production goal of 12 missile rounds per year.
USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)
DOD is planning to invest at least $50 billion into developing, testing, producing, and fielding CPS capability across several programs, including: CPS, Virginia class submarine, and the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, among others. While Navy and Army officials told GAO that they coordinate with each other, the services largely manage investment decisions for these programs separately, which contributes to inefficiencies and delays.
DOD does not have a comprehensive strategy across all programs that ensures that each program's investments achieve CPS's common objectives. Without a comprehensive investment strategy that includes more formal coordination, the Army and Navy are not well-positioned to make timely and efficient investments in key areas, such as addressing shortfalls on their shared production lines or ensuring the economical sustainment and performance of the DDG 1000.
Why GAO Did This Study
The Navy intends to provide its three DDG 1000 Zumwalt class ships with the ability to strike surface targets. In 2021, the Navy decided to add hypersonic CPS missiles-at a planned cost of nearly $50 million per missile-to the DDG 1000 class destroyers to enable the U.S. to strike valuable, heavily defended targets from a distance with a non-nuclear payload. To do so, the Navy is modernizing the ships to include installing a vertical launch system for CPS missiles. The Navy plans to add the CPS missile system to some Virginia class submarines. The Army is developing its own version of the CPS, called the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, and is responsible for producing the missile glide body for both services, among other responsibilities.
A House report includes a provision for GAO to review the Navy's large surface combatant program, including efforts to modify the DDG 1000 for its new mission. This report examines (1) the status of the DDG 1000 modernization, including CPS development, testing, and integration, and what risks these programs face; and (2) the extent to which DOD has a comprehensive strategy across various programs needed to field the CPS missile capability.
GAO reviewed relevant Navy and Army documentation and interviewed Navy and Army officials and contractor representatives. GAO also visited ship and missile contractor facilities in Mississippi and Alabama.
Recommendations
GAO is recommending that DOD develop and regularly review a comprehensive strategy that guides the coordination of investment decisions for delivering CPS capability. DOD concurred with this recommendation.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Secretaries of the Navy and Army, develops a comprehensive strategy that outlines how all programs involved with delivering CPS portfolio capability should coordinate and regularly review investment decisions. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107974
* * *
Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability
*
Fast Facts
The Navy is installing the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile on 3 ships and plans to add it to some future submarines. The Army is also buying the missile. Together, the services are investing over $50 billion in this effort.
But DOD doesn't have a comprehensive plan to help the Army and Navy coordinate on these purchases-preventing it from making cost-saving choices. ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 17 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability * Fast Facts The Navy is installing the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile on 3 ships and plans to add it to some future submarines. The Army is also buying the missile. Together, the services are investing over $50 billion in this effort. But DOD doesn't have a comprehensive plan to help the Army and Navy coordinate on these purchases-preventing it from making cost-saving choices.For example, Army and Navy officials coordinate on day-to-day operations. But they don't coordinate on bigger-picture issues, like how to invest money efficiently in the shared production line for the missile.
We recommended that DOD address these issues.
Flight Test of the Conventional Prompt Strike Hypersonic Missile
Photo of missile test
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Navy is currently 24 months behind in its efforts to modernize three DDG 1000 Zumwalt class destroyers to host the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile as part of its surface strike mission. Both the DDG 1000 and CPS efforts face challenges:
* Although modernization of the first ship in the class, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), was 94 percent complete as of January 2026, it is behind schedule due to unplanned work.
* The DDG 1000 class ships have unique systems, such as its radar, combat, and network systems, that are costly and difficult to sustain and maintain.
* The CPS effort was originally scheduled to begin flight testing on the DDG 1000 class in 2025 but this is now planned for 2027 due to funding and testing challenges.
* The CPS program encountered quality and production issues putting the current rate well below the production goal of 12 missile rounds per year.
USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)
DOD is planning to invest at least $50 billion into developing, testing, producing, and fielding CPS capability across several programs, including: CPS, Virginia class submarine, and the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, among others. While Navy and Army officials told GAO that they coordinate with each other, the services largely manage investment decisions for these programs separately, which contributes to inefficiencies and delays.
DOD does not have a comprehensive strategy across all programs that ensures that each program's investments achieve CPS's common objectives. Without a comprehensive investment strategy that includes more formal coordination, the Army and Navy are not well-positioned to make timely and efficient investments in key areas, such as addressing shortfalls on their shared production lines or ensuring the economical sustainment and performance of the DDG 1000.
Why GAO Did This Study
The Navy intends to provide its three DDG 1000 Zumwalt class ships with the ability to strike surface targets. In 2021, the Navy decided to add hypersonic CPS missiles-at a planned cost of nearly $50 million per missile-to the DDG 1000 class destroyers to enable the U.S. to strike valuable, heavily defended targets from a distance with a non-nuclear payload. To do so, the Navy is modernizing the ships to include installing a vertical launch system for CPS missiles. The Navy plans to add the CPS missile system to some Virginia class submarines. The Army is developing its own version of the CPS, called the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, and is responsible for producing the missile glide body for both services, among other responsibilities.
A House report includes a provision for GAO to review the Navy's large surface combatant program, including efforts to modify the DDG 1000 for its new mission. This report examines (1) the status of the DDG 1000 modernization, including CPS development, testing, and integration, and what risks these programs face; and (2) the extent to which DOD has a comprehensive strategy across various programs needed to field the CPS missile capability.
GAO reviewed relevant Navy and Army documentation and interviewed Navy and Army officials and contractor representatives. GAO also visited ship and missile contractor facilities in Mississippi and Alabama.
Recommendations
GAO is recommending that DOD develop and regularly review a comprehensive strategy that guides the coordination of investment decisions for delivering CPS capability. DOD concurred with this recommendation.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Secretaries of the Navy and Army, develops a comprehensive strategy that outlines how all programs involved with delivering CPS portfolio capability should coordinate and regularly review investment decisions. (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.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107974