Washington, D.C. – The Office of Compliance welcomes the release today of the General Accounting Office (GAO) audit of the Office, viewing it as a valuable indicator of the Office’s strengths and weaknesses. The GAO report was required by the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2003.
“The GAO report is both positive and critical, which is what we expected,” said Office of Compliance Board of Directors Chair Susan S. Robfogel. “I think it is a very accurate and positive reflection of the transformational efforts underway by the Office and why these are necessary.”
Robfogel noted that the Office has already recognized most of the deficiencies included in the report and is working hard to change them, as the report shows. “We are implementing a new strategic plan, moving away from output measurements to results measurements, targeting our educational efforts, and working more collaboratively with our regulated community.”
The Chair also emphasized that she believes this report makes clear why additional resources are needed by the Office of Compliance. “We have done more with less for a long time, but to implement all of the changes recommended by the report, more staff and resources will be needed.”
Despite some of the expected criticisms, Robfogel said she believes that overall the Office of Compliance has a notable record of success. The Office has handled over 150 requests for health and safety inspections of Legislative Branch facilities and processed over 1000 cases through it’s dispute resolution system. In addition, the Office has completed three biennial health and safety inspections of the Capitol Hill campus, resulting in comprehensive reports to Congressional leadership.
Robfogel made clear that this report will be an important guide to the Office’s strategic planning and budget submissions for the coming years. The Office intends to work hand-in-hand with its House and Senate oversight committees to implement the recommendations of the report while also ensuring that the Office has the necessary resources to carry out its mission.
