WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Department of Homeland Security should continue working with Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to reduce risks and enhance its operational efforts to avoid mismanagement, US House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul said in a statement.
“While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made progress since GAO first designated it high-risk in 2003, department leadership must continue to work with Congress and GAO to mitigate risks and strengthen its operational efforts,” McCaul said on Wednesday. “We cannot afford mismanagement when it comes to keeping the American people safe.”
McCaul issued the statement after the GAO had released its biannual report on government operations on Wednesday. The report identifies high risk areas due to vulnerability to fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, as well as changes to address economy and efficiency.
McCaul said the congressional committee would hold the DHS responsible to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The GAO said the government improved on 18 out of 30 areas identified as high risk. The GAO also said that the DHS met or partially met all five gauges of effective management and continues to make efforts to improve its operations.
