NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer has announced a hearing focused on the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) 2025 High-Risk List. The GAO, a nonpartisan agency within the legislative branch, releases this report at the start of each Congress to identify federal programs vulnerable to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. It also provides recommendations for improvements to both executive branch agencies and Congress.

The Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has emphasized the importance of GAO's work in identifying significant financial losses due to inefficiencies. The upcoming hearing will address areas needing oversight, highlight at-risk federal programs, and discuss potential government-wide improvements aimed at supporting the Trump Administration’s efforts to protect taxpayers and reduce waste.

Chairman Comer stated: “Despite GAO’s recommendations to protect taxpayers and their comprehensive reports released each year, bloated federal programs continue to squander taxpayer funds and fail to meet basic objectives. Americans are tired of the federal government failing its report card and demand action. GAO’s work provides the Trump Administration, including DOGE, a roadmap to take on the runaway federal bureaucracy."

He added that "the Oversight Committee is excited to continue working with President Trump and DOGE to deliver on our shared mission of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government." Comer noted that this hearing aims "to shine a light on federal programs that are especially susceptible to waste and abuse" while identifying solutions for more efficient government operations.

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET in HVC-210. Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the GAO, will serve as a witness. The event will be open to both the public and press and can be viewed via livestream online.