GAO still encounters delays in access to federal agencies

[Robbien]

Source: Hill

Numerous government agencies are denying the investigative arm of Congress access to information, despite repeated attempts by officials and lawmakers to remedy the situation, according to a letter sent this week and obtained by The Hill.

. . .

But despite the modest improvements, the GAO continues to encounter scores of delays and denials in trying to obtain information, according to a letter acting Comptroller General Gene Dodaro sent to senators on Tuesday.

“There are areas where GAO continues to encounter access issues,” Dodaro said in the letter to Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). “Some of these are agency-specific, stemming from longstanding processes and procedures that impede our access; others reflect misinterpretations of GAO’s authorities.”

The departments of Justice (DoJ), Defense (DoD), Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have all stymied the GAO’s access to information, according to the letter.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/103717-gao-still-encounters-delays-in-access

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The article goes on to say that last week a few of the agencies said they would try to better their relationship with the GAO but the article also says:

"There has always been friction between GAO and government agencies, but sources say the tension is intensifying and could lead to legal clashes between the legislative and executive branches."