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Social Security Disability: Information on Wait Times, Bankruptcies, and Deaths Among Applicants Who Appealed Benefit Denials
From the Document: "The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two large disability benefit programs, Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In fiscal year 2019, these programs received more than 2.34 million applications and provided about $185 billion in benefits; as of December 2019, approximately 12.3 million adults with disabilities and their eligible dependents received benefits. SSA uses a five-step process to determine if an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. An applicant who is dissatisfied with the initial determination on their disability benefits application can appeal the decision to multiple escalating levels of review. From fiscal years 2008 through 2019, SSA received approximately 9 million appeals of initial DI or SSI decisions. We have previously reported that applicants who appeal a benefits denial can potentially wait years to receive a final decision, during which time an applicant's health or financial situation could deteriorate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-13
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Information Technology: Federal Agencies and OMB Need to Continue to Improve Management and Cybersecurity, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Each year, the federal government invests over $90 billion in IT [information technology]. Even so, IT investments have too often failed or contributed little to mission-related outcomes. Increasingly sophisticated threats and frequent cyber incidents also underscore the need for effective information security. To focus attention on these concerns, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has included both the management of IT acquisitions and operations and cybersecurity on its high-risk list. For this statement, GAO summarized its key related reports and assessed agencies' progress in implementing the reports' recommendations. Specifically, GAO reviewed the implementation of recommendations on (1) CIO [Chief Information Officer] responsibilities, (2) IT acquisition review requirements, (3) data center consolidation, (4) the management of software licenses, and (5) cybersecurity."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Harris, Carol C.
2020-08-03
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Defense Workforce: DOD Needs to Assess Its Use of Term and Temporary Appointments, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DOD employs term and temporary personnel as a part of its overall civilian workforce. Recently, DOD extended the maximum duration of term appointments to 8 years with further extensions considered on a case-by-case basis, and temporary appointments to 3 years. House Report 116-120 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review DOD's use of term and temporary hiring authorities. GAO's report (1) identifies changes in the number of DOD term and temporary personnel from fiscal years 2016 through 2019, and (2) assesses the extent to which DOD modified term and temporary appointments and completed and submitted a statutorily required report assessing those modifications."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Substance Use Disorder: Medicaid Coverage of Peer Support Services for Adults, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "SUD [substance use disorders] treatment can help individuals reduce or stop substance use and improve their quality of life. In 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognized that peer providers could be an important component of effective SUD treatment, and provided guidance to states on how to cover peer support services in their Medicaid programs. However, states have flexibility in how they design and implement their Medicaid programs, and coverage for peer support services is an optional benefit. The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on peer support services under Medicaid. This report describes, among other objectives, the extent to which state Medicaid programs covered peer support services for adult beneficiaries with SUDs nationwide, and how selected state Medicaid programs offered peer support services for adult beneficiaries with SUDs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Natural Gas Exports: Updated Guidance and Regulations Could Improve Facility Permitting Processes, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "As U.S. natural gas production has increased, exports of natural gas have increased as well, and in 2017, the nation became a net exporter of natural gas. In 2019, about 39 percent of natural gas exports were transported by ship as LNG [liquefied natural gas], and exports of LNG are expected to grow. FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission], MARAD [Maritime Administration], and the Coast Guard issue permits required for companies to construct or operate an LNG export facility. The Coast Guard, along with PHMSA [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration], also has issued regulations on safety and technology requirements for these facilities. These regulations incorporate technical standards that are developed and updated by standards-developing organizations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how federal agencies manage the permitting processes. This report examines, among other things, the extent to which (1) federal agencies collaborate in the permitting processes for LNG export facilities and (2) regulations for such facilities incorporate current technical standards."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Native American Youth: Agencies Incorporated Almost All Leading Practices When Assessing Grant Programs That Could Prevent or Address Delinquency, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Federal and other studies have noted that exposure to violence and substance abuse make Native American youth susceptible to becoming involved with the justice system. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine federal and tribal efforts to address juvenile delinquency and the barriers tribes face in doing so. This report examines (1) federal financial assistance targeting tribes that could prevent or address juvenile delinquency; (2) the extent to which federal agencies assess the performance of selected grant programs and incorporate leading practices; and (3) the juvenile delinquency challenges tribes report facing."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Opioid Use Disorder: Treatment with Injectable and Implantable Buprenorphine, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "In 2018, SAMHSA [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration] estimated that about one-quarter of the estimated 2 million people with OUD [opioid use disorder] had received some form of substance use treatment in the prior year. One form of treatment--medication-assisted treatment (MAT)-- combines behavioral therapy with the use of certain medications. HHS has identified expanding access to treatment for OUD as an important strategy for reducing opioid morbidity and mortality, which includes increasing the number of injectable and implantable buprenorphine prescriptions. Congress included a provision in the SUPPORT [Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities] Act for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review access to and the potential for the diversion of controlled substances administered by injection or implantation. This report focuses on injectable and implantable controlled substances that can be used to treat OUD and specifically, describes the process for treating OUD with injectable and implantable buprenorphine and what is known about their use."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Next Generation Combat Vehicles: As Army Prioritizes Rapid Development, More Attention Needed to Provide Insight on Cost Estimates and Systems Engineering Risks, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The Army views the NGCV [Next Generation Combat Vehicles] portfolio as one of its most critical and urgent modernization priorities, as many current Army ground combat vehicles were developed in the 1980s or earlier. Past efforts to replace some of these systems failed at a cost of roughly $23 billion. In November 2017, the Army began new efforts to modernize this portfolio. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Army's plans for modernizing its fleet of ground combat vehicles. This report examines (1) the acquisition approaches and contracting strategies the Army is considering for the NGCV portfolio, (2) the extent to which the Army's efforts to balance schedule, cost, and technology are reducing acquisition risks for that portfolio, and (3) how the Army is communicating internally and externally to reduce acquisition risks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Aviation Safety: Actions Needed to Evaluate Changes to FAA's Enforcement Policy on Safety Standards, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] supports the safety of the U.S. aviation system by ensuring air carriers, pilots, and other regulated entities comply with safety standards. In 2015, FAA announced a new enforcement policy with a more collaborative and problem-solving approach called the Compliance Program. Under the program, FAA emphasizes using compliance actions, for example, counseling or training, to address many violations more efficiently, according to FAA. Enforcement actions such as civil penalties are reserved for more serious violations, such as when a violation is reckless or intentional. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision that GAO [Government Accountability Office] review FAA's Compliance Program. This report examines (1) how FAA implemented and used the Compliance Program and (2) how FAA evaluates the effectiveness of the program. GAO analyzed FAA data on enforcement actions agency-wide and on compliance actions for three selected offices for fiscal years 2012 to 2019 (4 years before and after program start). GAO also reviewed FAA guidance and interviewed FAA officials, including those from the eight offices that oversee compliance with safety standards."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Cybersecurity: DHS and Selected Agencies Need to Address Shortcomings in Implementation of Network Monitoring Program, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "In 2013, DHS established the CDM [Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation] program to strengthen the cybersecurity of government networks and systems by providing tools to agencies to continuously monitor their networks. The program, with estimated costs of about $10.9 billion, intends to provide capabilities for agencies to identify, prioritize, and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review agencies' continuous monitoring practices. This report (1) examines the extent to which selected agencies have effectively implemented key CDM program requirements and (2) describes challenges agencies identified in implementing the requirements and steps DHS has taken to address these challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Immigration Detention: ICE Should Enhance Its Use of Facility Oversight Data and Management of Detainee Complaints, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is the lead agency responsible for providing safe, secure, and humane confinement for detained foreign nationals in the United States. ICE has established standards for immigration detention related to complaint processes, medical care, and other areas. The joint explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review ICE's management and oversight of detention facilities and detention-related complaints. This report examines ICE and other DHS entities' mechanisms for (1) overseeing compliance with immigration detention facility standards and how ICE uses oversight information to address any identified deficiencies; and (2) receiving and addressing detainee complaints, and how ICE uses complaint information."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Interagency Council on Homelessness: Governance Responsibilities Need Further Clarification, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The mission of USICH [United States Interagency Council on Homelessness] is to coordinate the federal response to homelessness and create partnerships with the private sector and state and local governments to reduce and end homelessness. The joint explanatory statement related to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the management and governance structure of USICH, including the Council's ability to oversee the Executive Director and USICH operations. This report (1) describes the structure and practices for USICH operations and (2) evaluates the extent to which roles and responsibilities for the governance of USICH have been defined and documented."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Transportation Research: Additional Actions Could Improve DOT's Internal Collaboration and Reliability of Information on Research Activities, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "DOT's [Department of Transportation] research activities are critical to DOT's mission to make the nation's transportation system safer and more efficient. To meet current research needs and prepare for emerging technologies, DOT partners with public and private entities. In fiscal year 2018, DOT funded about 2,300 partners and had a research budget exceeding $1 billion. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review DOT's research activities. This report addresses: (1) how DOT prioritizes and selects which research activities it will undertake; (2) the extent to which DOT facilitates research collaboration with external stakeholders and across the department; and (3) the extent to which DOT ensures its Research Hub database contains complete and accurate project information."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Navy Shipyards: Actions Needed to Address the Main Factors Causing Maintenance Delays for Aircraft Carriers and Submarines, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "For fiscal years 2015 through 2019, the Navy spent $2.8 billion in capital investments to address shipyard performance, among other things. However, the shipyards continue to face persistent and substantial maintenance delays that hinder the readiness of aircraft carriers and submarines. The Senate Armed Services Committee, in a report accompanying a bill for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, included a provision for GAO to review Navy shipyards' performance. GAO evaluated the extent to which the Navy (1) completed maintenance at its shipyards on time on aircraft carriers and submarines in fiscal years 2015 through 2019, (2) has identified the main factors leading to maintenance delays, and (3) has addressed the main factors affecting any delays in that maintenance. GAO reviewed data related to Navy shipyard maintenance for fiscal years 2015 through 2019, analyzed factors contributing to delays and plans to address them, visited all four Navy shipyards, and met with Navy and shipyard officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Aircraft Noise: Information on a Potential Mandated Transition to Quieter Airplanes, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Although advances in technology have led to quieter aircraft capable of meeting increasingly stringent noise standards, airport noise remains a concern. FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] regulates aircraft noise by ensuring compliance with relevant noise standards. [...] The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO to review a potential phase-out of stage 3 airplanes--the loudest aircraft currently operating in the United States. This report describes (1) the proportion of stage 3 airplanes in the U.S. fleet, and what proportion of these stage 3 airplanes are able to meet more stringent noise standards and (2) selected stakeholders' views on the potential benefits, costs, and challenges of phasing out stage 3 airplanes."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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COVID-19: Brief Update on Initial Federal Response to the Pandemic
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "As of August 20, 2020, the U.S. had over 5.5 million cumulative reported cases of COVID-19, and 158,000 reported deaths, according to federal agencies. The country also continues to experience serious economic repercussions and turmoil. Four relief laws, including the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, were enacted between March and July 2020 to provide appropriations for the response to COVID-19. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to report bimonthly on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to COVID-19. This second report examines federal spending on the COVID-19 response; indicators for monitoring public health and the economy; and the status of matters for congressional consideration and recommendations from GAO's June 2020 report (GAO20-625). GAO reviewed data through June 30, 2020 (the latest available) from USAspending.gov, a government website with data from government agencies. GAO also obtained, directly from the agencies, spending data, as of July 31, 2020, for the six largest spending areas, to the extent available. To develop the public health indicators, GAO reviewed research and federal guidance. To understand economic developments, GAO reviewed data from federal statistical agencies, the Federal Reserve, and Bloomberg Terminal, as well as economic research. To update the status of matters for congressional consideration and recommendations, GAO reviewed agency and congressional actions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Federalism: Opportunities Exist to Improve Coordination and Consultation with State and Local Governments, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Federal programs fulfilling national goals in education, health care, transportation infrastructure, and homeland security, among other issues, are implemented through a complex partnership between federal, state, and local governments. E.O. 13132, 'Federalism', outlines principles and criteria to guide the formulation and implementation of policies and the appropriate division of responsibilities between levels of government. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review intergovernmental affairs activities at executive branch agencies. This report (1) identifies intergovernmental affairs offices' key responsibilities and activities at selected federal agencies and how these offices are organized, and (2) assesses state and local government officials' interaction with intergovernmental affairs offices, including their reported strengths and challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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2020 Census: Recent Decision to Compress Census Timeframes Poses Additional Risks to an Accurate Count, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "'The 2020 Decennial Census is underway after pausing operations in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] national emergency. As the Bureau resumes its operations, it faces a new set of operational and public safety challenges as a result of COVID-19. These delays, the resulting compressed timeframes, implementation of untested procedures, and additional challenges such as COVID-19 could adversely impact downstream operations, escalate census costs and undermine the overall quality of the count. In recent years, GAO has identified challenges to the Bureau's ability to conduct a cost-effective count of the nation, including new innovations, acquisition and development of IT systems, and other challenges. In 2017, these challenges led GAO to place the 2020 Census on its HighRisk list. Over the past decade, GAO has made 112 recommendations specific to the 2020 Census. To date, the Bureau has implemented 90 and GAO has closed 1 recommendation as not implemented. As of August 2020, 21 of the recommendations had not been fully implemented.'"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Science & Tech Spotlight: Consumer Electronics Recycling
From the Document: "Consumer electronics contain critical materials whose supplies are limited, including gold, platinum, and rare earth metals. Domestic recycling of consumer electronics could extend the supply and reduce the current U.S. reliance on imports. New technologies are becoming available, but electronics recycling is complex and faces challenges, such as narrow profit margins."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Internet of Things: Information on Use by Federal Agencies, Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "IoT [Internet of Things] generally refers to devices--from sensors in vehicles to building thermostats-- that collect information, communicate it to a network, and may complete a task based on that information. Although IoT technologies may present an opportunity for the federal government to operate more efficiently and effectively, federal agencies may also face challenges in acquiring and using IoT. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the federal government's experience with IoT. This report describes (1) IoT technologies selected federal agencies are using, (2) the benefits and challenges of using IoT technologies, and (3) policies and guidance selected agencies follow in using and acquiring IoT technologies. GAO surveyed 115 Chief Information Officers (CIO) and senior IT [information technology] officials at federal agencies and subcomponents based on, in part, agency membership in the federal CIO Council; 90 responded."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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National Nuclear Security Administration: Information on the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request and Affordability of Nuclear Modernization Activities
From the Document: "The United States is in the midst of a long-term effort to modernize its nuclear security enterprise. As part of this effort, the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is currently conducting four weapon modernization programs. NNSA manages its weapon modernization programs in coordination with the Department of Defense (DOD), which undertakes related work to modernize nuclear weapon delivery systems, including heavy bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles and the submarines that carry them. In addition, NNSA is managing numerous, multi-billion-dollar construction projects and related activities to modernize the infrastructure it uses to produce the components and materials needed for its weapon modernization programs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Bawden, Allison
2020-07-30
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VA Health Care: VA Needs to Continue to Strengthen Its Oversight of Quality of State Veterans Homes, Statement of Sharon M. Silas, Director, Health Care, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Veterans--like over a million other Americans--rely on nursing home care to help meet their health needs. For eligible veterans whose health needs require skilled nursing and personal care, VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] provides or pays for nursing home care in three nursing home settings: the VA-owned and -operated community living centers, public- or privately owned community nursing homes, and state-owned and -operated SVHs [state veterans homes]. In fiscal year 2019, VA provided or paid for nursing home care for over 39,000 veterans. The majority of these veterans received care at SVHs. This statement summarizes the GAO's [Government Accountability Office] July 2019 report, GAO-19-428, with a focus on issues related to SVHs. Specifically, it describes the: (1) use of and expenditures for SVHs, (2) inspections used by VA to assess the quality of SVH care and VA's oversight of the inspection process, and (3) information VA provides publicly on the quality of SVH care. As part of that work GAO analyzed VA data on expenditures for SVHs and interviewed VA officials. For this statement GAO reviewed expenditure and utilization data for fiscal year 2019."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Silas, Sharon M.
2020-07-29
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Public Health Preparedness: HHS Has Taken Some Steps to Implement New Authority to Speed Medical Countermeasure Innovation
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as past infectious disease outbreaks such as the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak raise concerns about our nation's vulnerability and capacity to prevent or mitigate potential health effects from exposure to such threats. Medical countermeasures are drugs, vaccines, and devices to diagnose, treat, prevent, or mitigate potential health effects of exposure to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents and emerging infectious diseases, such as influenza pandemics. Our prior work has noted that responding to the ever-changing nature and broad array of CBRN threats often entails developing new technologies and approaches, while the process of researching and developing medical countermeasures is lengthy, complex, and expensive. Further, several challenges, including low profitability, intellectual property rights, and the general lack of a commercial market for some medical countermeasures may reduce incentives for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to invest time and money to develop these products instead of others that may be more profitable."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-07-29
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DHS' Process for Responding to FOIA and Congressional Requests
From the Document: "In response to a request from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, we conducted a review of DHS' handling of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and congressional requests directed to the DHS Office of the Secretary -- specifically, the DHS Secretary and Deputy Secretary."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2020-07-23
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Sexual Harassment: VA Needs to Better Protect Employees, Statement of Cindy S. Brown Barnes, Director Education, Workforce, and Income Security, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Women Veterans Task Force, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Testimony: "My statement summarizes the findings from our June 2020 report, which examines (1) the extent to which VA [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] has policies to prevent and address sexual harassment of VA employees, (2) how available data inform VA about sexual harassment of its employees, and (3) the extent to which VA provides training to its employees on preventing and addressing sexual harassment."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Brown Barnes, Cindy S.
2020-07-22
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Defense Contractors: Information on Violations of Safety, Health, and Fair Labor Standards
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest contracting agency in the federal government, obligating more than $380 billion on contracts for goods and services in fiscal year 2019. DOD's contract spending accounted for about 65 percent of the government's total contract spending. Some DOD contracts involve work that can be dangerous, such as manufacturing and construction. The Department of Labor's (Labor) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing safety and health-related working conditions, and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is responsible for enforcing requirements related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards. We previously reported that DOD has awarded contracts to some companies that Labor found to have violated federal labor laws, including workplace safety, health, and wage standards."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-07-20
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Southwest Border: CBP Should Improve Oversight of Funds, Medical Care, and Reporting of Deaths, Statement of Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice and Mary Denigan-Macauley, Director, Health Care, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the Document: "Beginning in fall 2018, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) CBP [Customs and Border Protection] experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals apprehended at or between U.S. ports of entry along the southwest border, resulting in overcrowding and difficult humanitarian conditions in its facilities. From December 2018 through May 2019, three children--ages 7, 8, and 16--died in CBP custody, prompting questions about CBP's medical screening and care of those in its custody. In July 2019, an emergency supplemental appropriations act (2019 Emergency Supplemental) was enacted, providing additional funds to CBP to respond to the significant increase in southwest border apprehensions, including approximately $112 million for 'consumables and medical care.' [...] Our remarks are based on our report, released today, entitled 'Southwest Border: CBP Needs to Increase Oversight of Funds, Medical Care, and Reporting of Deaths.' Specifically, we will summarize the report's key findings on (1) the extent to which CBP obligated and conducted oversight of funds for consumables and medical care; (2) steps CBP took to enhance medical care; (3) the extent to which CBP implemented and oversaw its medical care efforts; and (4) the extent to which CBP has reliable information on, and reported, deaths, serious injuries, and suicide attempts of individuals in custody."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Gambler, Rebecca; Denigan-Macauley, Mary
2020-07-15
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COVID 19: FEMA's Role in the Response and Related Challenges, Statement of Chris P. Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Before the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability, and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic shows how biological threats have the potential to cause loss of life and sustained damage to the economy, societal stability, and global security. During the pandemic, 57 major disaster declarations were simultaneously issued for all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories--the first time in history this has occurred. FEMA had obligated about $5.8 billion for the response as of May 31, 2020. This statement addresses (1) FEMA's role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts to acquire and distribute critical medical supplies, as well as (2) potential challenges for this and other biological incident responses. This statement is based on products GAO issued from August 2003 to June 2020, as well as ongoing efforts to monitor contract obligations. For these products, GAO reviewed relevant presidential directives, statutes, regulations, policies, strategic plans, other reports, as well as federal procurement data; and interviewed federal and state officials, among others. GAO provided a copy of new contract obligation information in this statement to the Department of Homeland Security for review."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Currie, Chris P.
2020-07-14
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Child Welfare: Various HHS Offices Provided Input on Decision to Grant Exception from Religious Nondiscrimination Requirement
From the Document: "In fiscal year 2017, over 440,000 children were in the foster care system in the United States. Most of these children--77 percent--were in foster family homes. Over the last few years, the number of children entering the child welfare system has generally increased even as many states have struggled to recruit foster families. To help cover the costs of operating foster care programs, including costs associated with foster family recruitment, state child welfare agencies receive federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The state agencies may, in turn, contract with private child welfare agencies, in some instances faith-based organizations, to help carry out their foster care programs. States participating in title IV-E are required to ensure that their programs comply with various program-specific requirements established by the statute and regulations. In addition, as recipients of HHS funding, these state and private child welfare agencies are also required to comply with HHS's uniform administrative grant requirements. HHS may authorize certain exceptions from its administrative grant requirements on a case-by-case basis. [...] You asked us to review HHS's use of regulatory exceptions from nondiscrimination requirements that apply to federally-funded foster care programs. This report describes HHS's process for reviewing and approving requests for exceptions from its administrative grant requirements, including nondiscrimination requirements."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-07-09
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2018 Pacific Disasters: Preliminary Observations on FEMA's Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts, Statement for the Record by Chris Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Statement for the Record to the Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "The CNMI [Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands], Guam, and Hawaii experienced an unprecedented number of natural disasters in 2018--including typhoons, earthquakes, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions. FEMA is the lead federal agency responsible for helping states and territories prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Due to the remoteness of Hawaii and the Pacific territories, disaster response and recovery in the region can be challenging. Title IX of the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 included a provision for GAO to review FEMA's response and recovery efforts for 2018 natural disasters, including those in the Pacific region. This statement is based on ongoing work and provides preliminary GAO observations on (1) the status of FEMA disaster assistance for the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii as of May 2020; (2) the extent to which officials in the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii found FEMA's response to the 2018 disasters effective; and (3) the challenges, if any, FEMA experienced implementing recovery assistance programs in these locations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Currie, Chris
2020-07-08
