Performance and Accountability

Congress should conduct rigorous oversight of federal agencies and programs not just to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, but also because current levels of spending are unsustainable, making spending cuts inevitable. A large part of Congress’s job is to decide how funds get spent, and Congress must make difficult choices as to which programs and agency budgets it should cut. Congress needs to conduct this process in an apolitical, productive manner. Thorough oversight is key to that process. Performance information is crucial for smart decisions about realigning programs, cutting budgets for specific programs, and eliminating duplicative programs. This toolkit is designed to assist congressional staff with oversight and appropriations decisions for federal agencies and programs