GAO Unveils New Strategic Plan Focused on the Nation’s Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Washington, D.C. (October 15, 2026) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued its new Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2032, which charts a course to meet the rapidly changing needs and priorities of Congress. The new plan outlines how the agency will help Congress address emerging opportunities and challenges, including the rise of artificial intelligence, mounting fiscal pressures, and growing national security threats. The plan’s goals advance GAO’s mission to improve federal accountability and performance for the benefit of the American people. 

“Congress needs answers at the speed of today’s challenges, and this plan positions GAO to deliver them,” said Orice W. Brown, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of GAO. “We will continue meeting our mission in providing rigorous, nonpartisan, fact-based work while enhancing how we deliver it, so it reaches Congress when and how it’s most useful.” 

The Strategic Plan is built around three cross-cutting goals that strengthen GAO’s oversight mission and its ability to respond quickly to congressional needs. The first two goals focus on identifying savings in federal programs, addressing fraud, waste, and abuse across government, strengthening accountability, and improving the safety and security of the American people. The third goal centers on strengthening GAO’s workforce and modernizing its technology, sharing knowledge, and developing innovative tools to meet Congress’s needs today and in the future. 

The plan also places new emphasis on how federal agencies are adjusting to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. By anticipating new science and technology trends, opportunities, and risks, GAO will help Congress and federal agencies use these advancements to carry out their missions. 

As a legislative branch agency, GAO has a longstanding history of providing independent, nonpartisan oversight to assist Congress with complex decisions. Since 2002, its work has provided more than $1.51 trillion in financial benefits and 30,800 program and operational improvements. The new Strategic Plan is designed to build on that record and keep delivering results for Congress and the American people.  

“Taxpayers expect their government to work effectively and be accountable for how it uses public resources,” added Ms. Brown. “This plan outlines how we will support Congress to advance those goals in the years ahead.”   

The Strategic Plan is available online. For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at media@gao.gov.  

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.