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Legal corpus: the complete U.S. Code (59,740 sections, all 53 titles)

Browse Source 
Ingested titles 12–51 and 54 from OLRC USLM XML @119-100 (the whole Code
now, uniform edition; Title 53 is reserved/empty). LegalText 11,221 ->
59,740; repo total 105,704 records. Deterministic (byte-identical rerun,
verified on Title 42's 8,356 sections); make check green. make
legal-us-code default now covers every title.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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legal/us/code/title-31/chapter-7/section-701.md
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---
type: "LegalText"
title: "31 U.S.C. § 701"
description: "Definitions"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 31
title_name: "MONEY AND FINANCE"
chapter_number: "7"
chapter_name: "GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE"
section: "701"
citation: "31 U.S.C. § 701"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc31@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t31/s701"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-31/usc31.xml"
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retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 31 U.S.C. § 701 - Definitions
## Text
In this chapter—
(1) “agency” includes the District of Columbia government but does not include the legislative branch or the Supreme Court.
(2) “appropriations” means appropriated amounts and includes, in appropriate context—
(A) funds;
(B) authority to make obligations by contract before appropriations; and
(C) other authority making amounts available for obligation or expenditure.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 887.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 701(1)31:2(1st–4th pars.).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 2(1st–5th pars.), 42 Stat. 20; Apr. 3, 1939, ch. 36, § 201, 53 Stat. 565; July 31, 1953, ch. 302, § 101(1st proviso in par. under heading “Bureau of the Budget”), 67 Stat. 299. 701(2)31:2(last par.).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 2(last par.); added Sept. 12, 1950, ch. 946, § 101, 64 Stat. 832. In clause (1), “agency” (which is defined for purposes of this title in section 101 to mean a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States) is coextensive with and substituted for the term “department or establishment” which was defined in 31:2 as in part meaning “any executive department, independent commission, board, bureau, office, agency, or other establishment of the Government, including any independent regulatory commission or board”. This definition merely restates and continues, and does not in any way change or expand, the definition in 31:2. Under that definition, entities such as the Tennessee Valley Authority that have been interpreted to be outside the purview of the definition will continue to be outside the purview in the same manner and to the same extent that they were under 31:2. The words “includes the District of Columbia government” are used because of existing law but the inclusion of these words is not to be interpreted as construing the extent to which the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganizational Act (Pub. L. 93–198, 87 Stat. 774) supersedes the provisions codified in this title. The words “of the United States” are omitted as surplus. The text of 31:2 (2d–4th pars.) is omitted as unnecessary because of the restatement. The text of section 2 (3d par.) of the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 (ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20), is omitted as obsolete because of section 501 of the revised title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title of 2024 AmendmentPub. L. 118–131, § 1, Nov. 25, 2024, 138 Stat. 1641, provided that: “This Act [amending section 705 of this title] may be cited as the ‘GAO Inspector General Parity Act’.”
Short Title of 2017 AmendmentPub. L. 115–3, § 1, Jan. 31, 2017, 131 Stat. 7, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 721 of this title and amending sections 716 and 720 of this title] may be cited as the ‘GAO Access and Oversight Act of 2017’.”
Short Title of 2008 AmendmentPub. L. 110–323, § 1(a), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3539, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 705 of this title, amending sections 731 to 733, 735, and 3521 of this title and section 109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–521, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 705, 732, and 3523 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 3523 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Government Accountability Office Act of 2008’.”
Short Title of 2004 AmendmentPub. L. 108–271, § 1(a), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 811, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2004’.”
Short Title of 1996 AmendmentPub. L. 104–316, § 1, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3826, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘General Accounting Office Act of 1996’.”
Short Title of 1988 AmendmentPub. L. 100–426, § 1, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1598, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 703, 732, 751, 752, 755, 771 to 774, 776, and 777 of this title and section 5349 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 755 and 772 of this title] may be cited as the ‘General Accounting Office Personnel Amendments Act of 1988’.”
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---
type: "LegalText"
title: "31 U.S.C. § 702"
description: "Government Accountability Office"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 31
title_name: "MONEY AND FINANCE"
chapter_number: "7"
chapter_name: "GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE"
section: "702"
citation: "31 U.S.C. § 702"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc31@119-100.zip"
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retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
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tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 31 U.S.C. § 702 - Government Accountability Office
## Text
(a) The Government Accountability Office is an instrumentality of the United States Government independent of the executive departments.
(b) The head of the Office is the Comptroller General of the United States. The Office has a Deputy Comptroller General of the United States.
(c) The Comptroller General may adopt a seal for the Office.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 887; Pub. L. 100–545, § 2(b), Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2729; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 702(a)31:41(1st sentence less last 14 words, 2d, 3d sentences).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 301, 42 Stat. 23. 702(b)31:41(1st sentence last 14 words). 31:42(a)(1st sentence words before comma).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 302(a)(1st sentence words before 1st comma), 42 Stat. 23; Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 104(a), 94 Stat. 314. 31:1154(d)(1st sentence).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 204(d)(1st sentence), 84 Stat. 1168; restated July 12, 1974, Pub. L. 93–344, § 702(a), 88 Stat. 326. 31:1155(a).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 205(a), 84 Stat. 1168. 702(c)31:51–1.Jan. 2, 1975, Pub. L. 93–604, § 501(a), 88 Stat. 1962. 702(d)31:41(last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “instrumentality of the United States Government” are substituted for “establishment of the Government” for consistency. The words “created . . . to be” and 31:41(2d, 3d sentences) are omitted as executed. Subsection (b) is substituted for 31:41(1st sentence last 14 words) and 42(a)(1st sentence words before comma) to eliminate unnecessary words and for consistency. The word “Deputy” is substituted for “Assistant” because of section 101 of the Act of July 9, 1971 (Pub. L. 92–51, 85 Stat. 143). The text of 31:1154(d)(1st sentence) and 1155(a) is omitted as unnecessary because the Comptroller General, as the head of the Office, has the authority to establish constituent parts of the Office to carry out duties and powers unless otherwise specified by law. In subsection (c), the words “Administrator of General Services” are substituted for “the head of any Federal agency which exercises authority over such building” for clarity. The words “of the United States” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in section catchline and subsec. (a). 1988—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 100–545 redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which directed Administrator of General Services to provide Comptroller General with space in General Accounting Office Building.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Pub. L. 108–271, § 8, July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814, provided that: “(a) In General.—The General Accounting Office is hereby redesignated the Government Accountability Office. “(b) References.—Any reference to the General Accounting Office in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force on the date of enactment of this Act [July 7, 2004] shall be considered to refer and apply to the Government Accountability Office.”
Transfers and Terminations of Functions Pub. L. 104–316, title I, § 101(a)–(d), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3826, 3827, provided that: “(a) In General.—“(1) Functions transferred.—In any case in which a provision of law authorizing the performance of a function by the Comptroller General of the United States or the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] is amended by this title [see Tables for classification] to substitute another Federal officer, employee, or agency in that authorization, the authority under that provision to perform that function is transferred to the other Federal officer, employee, or agency. “(2) Functions terminated.—In any case in which a provision of law authorizing the performance of a function by the Comptroller General of the United States or the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] is repealed by this Act [see Tables for classification], the authority under that provision to perform that function is terminated. “(3) Delegation of functions.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may delegate, in whole or in part, to any other agency or agencies any function transferred to or vested in the Director under section 103(d), 105(b), 116, or 202(n) of this Act [amending section 3702 of this title, section 5584 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, section 2774 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and section 716 of Title 32, National Guard], and may transfer to such agency or agencies any personnel, budget authority, records, and property received by the Director pursuant to subsection (b) of this section that relate to the delegated functions. “(b) Incidental Transfers.—“(1) In general.—Incident to any transfer of authority under subsection (a)(1), there shall be transferred to the recipient Federal officer, employee, or agency such personnel, records, budget authority, and property of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] as the Comptroller General and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget jointly determine to be necessary to effectuate the transfer. “(2) Effect on personnel.—Personnel transferred under this section shall not be separated or reduced in classification or compensation for one year after any such transfer, except for cause. “(c) References.—With respect to any function or authority transferred under this Act and exercised on or after the effective date of that transfer, reference in any Federal law to the Comptroller General or to any officer or employee of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] is deemed to refer to the Federal officer or agency to which the function or authority is transferred under this Act. “(d) Savings Provisions.—“(1) Orders and other official actions not affected.—All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, contracts, certificates, licenses, and privileges—“(A) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the Comptroller General or any official of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office], or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of any function or authority transferred under this Act, and “(B) which are in effect at the time of the transfer; shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law. “(2) Pending matters and proceedings.—This Act shall not affect any pending matters or proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking, relating to a function or authority transferred under this Act. Such matters or proceedings shall continue under the authority of the agency to which the function or authority is transferred until completed or terminated in accordance with law. “(3) Judicial proceedings and causes of actions.—No suit, action, or other proceeding or cause of action relating to a function or authority transferred under this Act shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act. If, before the date on which a transfer of a function or authority this Act takes effect, the Comptroller General of the United States or any officer or employee of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] in their official capacity is party to a suit relating to the function or authority, then such suit shall be continued and the head of the agency to which the function or authority is transferred, or other appropriate official of that agency, shall be substituted or added as a party.”
Contract Appeals BoardPub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1501, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2249, as amended by Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537, provided that: “(a) Definitions.—In this section—“(1) the term ‘Board’ means the Contract Appeals Board established under subsection (b); and “(2) the term ‘legislative branch agency’ means—“(A) the Architect of the Capitol; “(B) the United States Botanic Gardens [sic]; “(C) the Government Accountability Office; “(D) the Government Publishing Office; “(E) the Library of Congress; “(F) the Congressional Budget Office; “(G) the United States Capitol Police; and “(H) any other agency, including any office, board, or commission, established in the legislative branch; and “(b) Establishment.—There is established a Contract Appeals Board within the Government Accountability Office. The Board shall hear and decide appeals from decisions of a contracting officer with respect to any contract entered into by a legislative branch agency. “(c) Members of the Board.—“(1) Appointment.—The Comptroller General shall appoint at least 3 members to the Contract Appeals Board. “(2) Qualifications.—Each member shall have not less than 5 years experience in public contract law. “(3) Pay.—Subject to any provision of law relating to pay applicable to the Office of General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office, the Comptroller General shall establish and adjust the annual rate of basic pay of members of the Board. “(d) Provisions Applicable to Appeals.—The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (Public Law 95–563, [former] 41 U.S.C. 601 et seq. [see 41 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.]), as amended, shall apply to appeals to the Board, except that section 4 [now 41 U.S.C. 7102(d)], subsections 8(a), (b), and (c) [now 41 U.S.C. 7105(a), (c), (d), (e)(1)(C)], and subsection 10(a) [now 41 U.S.C. 7104(b)] shall not apply to such appeals and the amount of any claim referenced in subsection 6(c) [now 41 U.S.C. 7103(b), (f)] shall be $50,000. The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations for procedures for appeals to the Board that are consistent with procedures under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. “(e) Effective Date.—This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter.”
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---
type: "LegalText"
title: "31 U.S.C. § 703"
description: "Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 31
title_name: "MONEY AND FINANCE"
chapter_number: "7"
chapter_name: "GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE"
section: "703"
citation: "31 U.S.C. § 703"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc31@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t31/s703"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-31/usc31.xml"
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confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 31 U.S.C. § 703 - Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General
## Text
(a) (1) The Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General are appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) When a vacancy occurs in the office of Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General, a commission is established to recommend individuals to the President for appointment to the vacant office. The commission shall be composed of—
(A) the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(B) the President pro tempore of the Senate;
(C) the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate;
(D) the chairmen and ranking minority members of the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House; and
(E) when the office of Deputy Comptroller General is vacant, the Comptroller General.
(3) A commission established because of a vacancy in the office of the Comptroller General shall recommend at least 3 individuals. The President may ask the commission to recommend additional individuals.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the term of the Comptroller General is 15 years. The Comptroller General may not be reappointed. The term of the Deputy Comptroller General expires on the date an individual is appointed Comptroller General. The Deputy Comptroller General may continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
(c) The Deputy Comptroller General—
(1) carries out duties and powers prescribed by the Comptroller General; and
(2) acts for the Comptroller General when the Comptroller General is absent or unable to serve or when the office of Comptroller General is vacant.
(d) The Comptroller General shall designate an officer or employee of the Government Accountability Office to act as Comptroller General when the Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General are absent or unable to serve or when the offices of Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General are vacant.
(e) (1) A Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General may retire after becoming 70 years of age and completing 10 years of service as Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General (as the case may be). Either may be removed at any time by—
(A) impeachment; or
(B) joint resolution of Congress, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, only for—
(i) permanent disability;
(ii) inefficiency;
(iii) neglect of duty;
(iv) malfeasance; or
(v) a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude.
(2) A Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General removed from office under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be reappointed to the office.
(f) The annual rate of basic pay of the—
(1) Comptroller General is equal to the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule; and
(2) Deputy Comptroller General is equal to the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 888; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 201, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 703(a)(1)31:42(a)(1st sentence words after comma).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 302(a)(1st sentence words after 1st comma, last sentence), 42 Stat. 23; Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 104(a), 94 Stat. 314. 703(a)(2), (3)31:42(b).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 302(b); added Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 104(a), 94 Stat. 314. 703(b)31:43(1st par. 1st, 2d sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 303(1st par.), 42 Stat. 23; Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 104(b)(1), 94 Stat. 315. 703(c)31:42(a)(last sentence). 703(d)31:43a.June 27, 1944, ch. 286, § 101(last par. on p. 371), 58 Stat. 371. 703(e)31:43(1st par. 3d–last sentences). 703(f)31:42a.Aug. 14, 1964, Pub. L. 88–426, § 203(a), (b), 78 Stat. 415; Dec. 16, 1967, Pub. L. 90–206, § 219(1), 81 Stat. 639; restated Aug. 9, 1975, Pub. L. 94–82, § 204(b), 89 Stat. 421. In subsections (a)(1), (b), (d), and (e), the word “Deputy” is substituted for “Assistant” because of section 101 of the Act of July 9, 1971 (Pub. L. 92–51, 85 Stat. 143). In subsection (a)(1), the words “The Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General” are added because of the restatement. The words “by and” are added for consistency. The words “and shall receive salaries of $10,000 and $7,500 a year, respectively” in section 302(a)(1st sentence words after 2d comma) of the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 (ch. 18, 42 Stat. 23), are omitted as superseded by subsection (f) of this section. In subsection (a)(2), before clause (A), the words “after April 3, 1980” are omitted as executed. In clause (E), the words “of the United States” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (a)(3), the words “because of a vacancy in the office of the Comptroller General” are substituted for “under paragraph (1)” for clarity. The word “recommend” is substituted for “submit” and “submitted” for consistency. The words “to the President for consideration the names of”, “for the Office of Comptroller General”, and “within his discretion” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “the term of . . . is 15 years” are substituted for “shall hold office for fifteen years” for consistency. The words “eligible for” are omitted as surplus. The words “the term of . . . expires on” are substituted for “shall hold office from the date of his appointment until” to eliminate unnecessary words and for consistency. The words “to fill a vacancy in the Office of” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c), the words “carries out duties and powers prescribed” are substituted for “perform such duties as may be assigned” for consistency. The words “to him” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (d), the words “officer or” are added for consistency in the revised title. The text of section 101(last par. on p. 371 words before colon) of the Act of June 27, 1944 (ch. 286, 58 Stat. 371), is omitted as expired. In subsection (e)(1), before clause (A), the words “from his office” are omitted as surplus. In clause (A), the words “and for no other cause and in no other manner” are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), before subclause (i), the words “opportunity for a” are added for consistency. The words “guilty of” are omitted as surplus. In subclause (i), the word “disability” is substituted for “incapacitated” for consistency in the chapter and with title 5. In subclause (iv), the words “in office” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e)(2), the words “from office” are added for clarity. In subsection (f), before clause (1), the words “basic pay” are substituted for “compensation” for consistency with other titles of the United States Code. In clauses (1) and (2), the words “of the United States” and “positions at” are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words “of subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1988—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–426 substituted “may retire after becoming 70 years of age and completing 10 years of service as Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General (as the case may be)” for “retires on becoming 70 years of age”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004. Committee on Government Operations of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
Executive Documents
Salary Increases1987—Salaries of Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General increased respectively to $89,500 and $82,500 per annum, on recommendation of the President of the United States, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2, The Congress. 1977—Salaries of Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General increased respectively to $57,500 and $52,500 per annum, on recommendation of the President of the United States, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2. 1969—Salaries of Comptroller General and Assistant Comptroller General increased respectively to $42,500 and $40,000 per annum, on recommendation of the President of the United States, see note set out under section 358 of Title 2.
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---
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title_name: "MONEY AND FINANCE"
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chapter_name: "GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE"
section: "704"
citation: "31 U.S.C. § 704"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
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# 31 U.S.C. § 704 - Relationship to other laws
## Text
(a) To the extent applicable, all laws generally related to administering an agency apply to the Comptroller General.
(b) A copy of a record and a transcript from a record or proceeding of the Comptroller General, that the Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General certifies under seal, shall be admitted as evidence with the same effect as a copy or transcript referred to in section 1733 of title 28.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 889.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 704(a)31:46(1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 306, 42 Stat. 24. 704(b)31:46(last sentence). In the section, the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office” for consistency. In subsection (a), the word “agency” is substituted for “departments and establishments” because of section 701 of the revised title. In subsection (b), the word “record” is substituted for “books, rec­ords, papers, or documents” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 705 - Inspector General for the Government Accountability Office
## Text
(a) Establishment of Office.— There is established an Office of the Inspector General in the Government Accountability Office, to—
(1) conduct and supervise audits consistent with generally accepted government auditing standards and investigations relating to the Government Accountability Office;
(2) provide leadership and coordination and recommend policies, to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the Government Accountability Office; and
(3) keep the Comptroller General and Congress fully and currently informed concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Government Accountability Office.
(b) Appointment, Supervision, and Removal.— (1) The Office of the Inspector General shall be headed by an Inspector General, who shall be appointed by the Comptroller General without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations. The Inspector General shall report to, and be under the general supervision of, the Comptroller General.
(2) (A) The Inspector General may be removed from office by the Comptroller General.
(B) If the Inspector General is removed from office or is transferred to another position or location within the Government Accountability Office, the Comptroller General shall communicate in writing the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons, for any such removal or transfer to both Houses of Congress (including to the appropriate congressional committees), not later than 30 days before the removal or transfer.
(C) If there is an open or completed inquiry into the Inspector General that relates to the removal or transfer of the Inspector General under subparagraph (A), the written communication required under subparagraph (B) shall—
(i) identify each entity that is conducting, or that conducted, the inquiry; and
(ii) in the case of a completed inquiry, contain the findings made during the inquiry.
(D) Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a personnel action otherwise authorized by law, other than transfer or removal.
(3) (A) Subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, only the Comptroller General may place the Inspector General on non-duty status.
(B) If the Comptroller General places the Inspector General on non-duty status, the Comptroller General shall communicate in writing the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons, for the change in status to both Houses of Congress (including to the appropriate congressional committees) not later than 15 days before the date on which the change in status takes effect, except that the Comptroller General may submit that communication not later than the date on which the change in status takes effect if—
(i) the Comptroller General has made a determination that the continued presence of the Inspector General in the workplace poses a specific threat; and
(ii) in the communication, the Comptroller General includes a report on the determination described in clause (i), which shall include—
(I) the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons, for the determination made under clause (i);
(II) an identification of each entity that is conducting, or that conducted, any inquiry upon which the determination under clause (i) was made; and
(III) in the case of an inquiry described in subclause (II) that is completed, the findings made during that inquiry.
(C) The Comptroller General may not place the Inspector General on non-duty status during the 30-day period preceding the date on which the Inspector General is removed or transferred under paragraph (2)(A) unless the Comptroller General—
(i) has made a determination that the continued presence of the Inspector General in the workplace poses a specific threat; and
(ii) not later than the date on which the change in status takes effect, submits to both Houses of Congress (including to the appropriate congressional committees) a written communication that contains the information required under subparagraph (B), including the report required under clause (ii) of that subparagraph.
(D) Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit or otherwise modify any statutory protection that is afforded to the Inspector General or a personnel action that is otherwise authorized by law.
(4) The Inspector General shall be paid at an annual rate of pay equal to $5,000 less than the annual rate of pay of the Comptroller General, and may not receive any cash award or bonus, including any award under chapter 45 of title 5.
(c) Authority of Inspector General.— In addition to the authority otherwise provided by this section, the Inspector General, in carrying out the provisions of this section, may—
(1) have access to all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or other material that relate to programs and operations of the Government Accountability Office;
(2) make such investigations and reports relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the Government Accountability Office as are, in the judgment of the Inspector General, necessary or desirable;
(3) request such documents and information as may be necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities provided by this section from any Federal agency;
(4) in the performance of the functions assigned by this section, obtain all information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence from a person not in the United States Government or from a Federal agency, to the same extent and in the same manner as the Comptroller General under the authority and procedures available to the Comptroller General in section 716 of this title;
(5) administer to or take from any person an oath, affirmation, or affidavit, whenever necessary in the performance of the functions assigned by this section, which oath, affirmation, or affidavit when administered or taken by or before an employee of the Office of Inspector General designated by the Inspector General shall have the same force and effect as if administered or taken by or before an officer having a seal;
(6) have direct and prompt access to the Comptroller General when necessary for any purpose pertaining to the performance of functions and responsibilities under this section;
(7) report expeditiously to the Attorney General whenever the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law; and
(8) provide copies of all reports to the Audit Advisory Committee of the Government Accountability Office and provide such additional information in connection with such reports as is requested by the Committee.
(d) Complaints by Employees.— (1) The Inspector General—
(A) subject to subparagraph (B), may receive, review, and investigate, as the Inspector General considers appropriate, complaints or information from an employee of the Government Accountability Office concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, mismanagement, or a gross waste of funds; and
(B) shall refer complaints or information concerning violations of personnel law, rules, or regulations to established investigative and adjudicative entities of the Government Accountability Office.
(2) The Inspector General shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an employee, disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.
(3) Any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action, shall not, with respect to such authority, take or threaten to take any action against any employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General, unless the complaint was made or the information disclosed with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.
(e) Semiannual Reports.— (1) The Inspector General shall submit semiannual reports summarizing the activities of the Office of the Inspector General to the Comptroller General. Such reports shall include, but need not be limited to—
(A) a summary of each significant report made during the reporting period, including a description of significant problems, abuses, and deficiencies disclosed by such report;
(B) a description of the recommendations for corrective action made with respect to significant problems, abuses, or deficiencies described pursuant to subparagraph (A);
(C) a summary of the progress made in implementing such corrective action described pursuant to subparagraph (B); and
(D) information concerning any disagreement the Comptroller General has with a recommendation of the Inspector General.
(2) The Comptroller General shall transmit the semiannual reports of the Inspector General, together with any comments the Comptroller General considers appropriate, to Congress within 30 days after receipt of such reports.
(f) Independence in Carrying Out Duties and Responsibilities.— (1) Prohibition.— The Comptroller General may not prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from carrying out any of the duties or responsibilities of the Inspector General under this section.
(2) Budget independence.— The Comptroller General shall include the annual budget request of the Inspector General in the budget of the Government Accountability Office without change.
(g) Authority for Staff.— (1) In general.— The Inspector General shall select, appoint, and employ (including fixing and adjusting the rates of pay of) such personnel as may be necessary to carry out this section consistent with the provisions of this title governing selections, appointments, and employment (including the fixing and adjusting the rates of pay) in the Government Accountability Office. Such personnel shall be appointed, promoted, and assigned only on the basis of merit and fitness, but without regard to those provisions of title 5 governing appointments and other personnel actions in the competitive service.
(2) Experts and consultants.— The Inspector General may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109 of title 5 at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of such title.
(3) Independence in appointing staff.— No individual may carry out any of the duties or responsibilities of the Office of the Inspector General unless the individual is appointed by the Inspector General, or provides services obtained by the Inspector General, pursuant to this paragraph.
(4) Limitation on program responsibilities.— The Inspector General and any individual carrying out any of the duties or responsibilities of the Office of the Inspector General are prohibited from performing any program responsibilities.
(5) Legal advice.— The Inspector General shall, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing selections, appointments, and employment at the Government Accountability Office, obtain legal advice from a counsel reporting directly to the Inspector General or another Inspector General.
(h) Office Space.— The Comptroller General shall provide the Office of the Inspector General—
(1) appropriate and adequate office space;
(2) such equipment, office supplies, and communications facilities and services as may be necessary for the operation of the Office of the Inspector General;
(3) necessary maintenance services for such office space, equipment, office supplies, and communications facilities; and
(4) equipment and facilities located in such office space.
(i) Definition.— As used in this section, the term “Federal agency” means a department, agency, instrumentality, or unit thereof, of the Federal Government.
(Added Pub. L. 110–323, § 5(a), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3544; amended Pub. L. 118–131, § 2, Nov. 25, 2024, 138 Stat. 1641.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments2024—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 118–131, § 2(1)(A), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out “The Comptroller General shall, promptly upon such removal, communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal to each House of Congress.” at end of subpar. (A), and added subpars. (B) to (D). Subsecs. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 118–131, § 2(1)(B), (C), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–131, § 2(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2). Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 118–131, § 2(3)(A), struck out “, except that no personnel of the Office may be paid at an annual rate greater than $1,000 less than the annual rate of pay of the Inspector General” after “competitive service”. Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 118–131, § 2(3)(B), added par. (5).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
IncumbentPub. L. 110–323, § 5(b), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3547, provided that: “The individual who serves in the position of Inspector General of the Government Accountability Office on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 22, 2008] shall continue to serve in such position subject to removal in accordance with the amendments made by this section [enacting this section].”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 711 - General authority
## Text
The Comptroller General may—
(1) prescribe regulations to carry out the duties and powers of the Comptroller General;
(2) delegate the duties and powers of the Comptroller General to officers and employees of the Government Accountability Office as the Comptroller General decides is necessary to carry out those duties and powers;
(3) regulate the practice of representatives of persons before the Office; and
(4) administer oaths to witnesses when auditing and settling accounts.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 889; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 71131:44(1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304(1st par. 1st sentence), 42 Stat. 24. 31:52(c), (d).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 311(c), (d), 42 Stat. 25; Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 8(e)(4), 94 Stat. 33. 31:52–1(related to direct).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 2(related to direct), 94 Stat. 27. 31:117.R.S. § 297. In clause (1), the words “may . . . prescribe regulations to carry out the duties and powers of the Comptroller General” are substituted for “shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary for carrying on the work of the General Accounting Office” in 31:52(d) for consistency. In clause (2), the word “delegate” is substituted for “direct” in 31:52–1, and the words “officers and employees” are substituted for “personnel”, and 31:52(c) is omitted, for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In clause (3), the words “rules and” in 31:52(d) are omitted as surplus. The words “representatives of persons” are substituted for “attorneys” for clarity and consistency in the revised title. In clause (4), the words “in any case in which they may deem it necessary for the due” in 31:117 are omitted as surplus. The words “auditing and settling” are substituted for “examination” for consistency. The words “with which they shall be charged” are omitted because of the restatement.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Par. (2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
Expired Appropriations Available for Deposit Into Employees’ Compensation FundPub. L. 113–6, div. F, title VI, § 1611, Mar. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 427, provided that: “(a) In General.—Available balances of expired Government Accountability Office appropriations shall be available to the Government Accountability Office to make the deposit to the credit of the Employees’ Compensation Fund required by section 8147(b) of title 5[,] United States Code. “(b) Effective Date.—This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter.”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 713 - Audit of Internal Revenue Service, Tax and Trade Bureau, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
## Text
(a) Under regulations of the Comptroller General, the Comptroller General shall audit the Internal Revenue Service and the Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice of the Department of the Treasury.11 So in original. An audit under this section does not affect a final decision of the Secretary of the Treasury under section 6406 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6406).
(b) (1) To carry out this section and to the extent provided by and only subject to section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6103)—
(A) returns and return information (as defined in section 6103(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6103(b)) shall be made available to the Comptroller General; and
(B) records and property of, or used by, the Service or either Bureau, shall be made available to the Comptroller General.
(2) At least once every 6 months, the Comptroller General shall designate each officer and employee of the Government Accountability Office by name and title to whom returns, return information, or records or property of the Service or either Bureau that can identify a particular taxpayer may be made available. Each designation or a certified copy of the designation shall be sent to the Committee on Finance of the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Government Operations of the House, the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, and the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice.
(3) Except as expressly provided by law, an officer or employee of the Office may make known information derived from a record or property of, or in use by, the Service or either Bureau that can identify a particular taxpayer only to another officer or employee of the Office whose duties or powers require that the record or property be made known.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 889; Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 107–296, title XI, § 1112(m), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2277; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 713(a)31:67(d)(1).Sept. 12, 1950, ch. 946, 64 Stat. 832, § 117(d)(1)–(3); added Oct. 7, 1977, Pub. L. 95–125, § 1, 91 Stat. 1104. 713(b)(1)31:67(d)(2)(1st sentence less proviso). 713(b)(2)31:67(d)(3). 713(b)(3)31:67(d)(2)(1st sentence proviso, last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “rules and” and “findings or” are omitted as surplus. The words “or his delegate” are omitted as unnecessary because of sections 301(b) and 321(a)(2) of the revised title. In subsection (b)(1), before clause (A), the words “To carry out” are substituted for “For the purposes of, and to the extent necessary in, making the audits required by”, and the word “only” is substituted for “but notwithstanding the provisions of any other law”, to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “the requirements imposed by” are omitted as surplus. The words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “representatives of the General Accounting Office” for consistency. In clause (B), the word “records” is substituted for “books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, papers” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “other” and “things” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(2), the words “in writing” and “pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection” are omitted as surplus. The words “records or property of the Service or the Bureau” are substituted for “any information described in clause (B) of such paragraph (2)” for clarity. The words “in a form . . . be associated with or otherwise . . . directly or indirectly”, “such written”, and “promptly” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(3), the words “divulge . . . in any manner whatever to any person” are omitted as surplus. The words “information derived from a record or property of, or in use by, the Service or the Bureau” are substituted for “any information described in clause (B)” for clarity and consistency. The words “in a form . . . be associated with or otherwise . . . directly or indirectly” are omitted as surplus. The word “powers” is substituted for “responsibilities” for consistency. The words “that the record or property be made known” are substituted for “such disclosure” for clarity. The text of 31:67(d)(2)(last sentence) is omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 2002—Pub. L. 107–296, § 1112(m)(1), substituted “, Tax and Trade Bureau, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives” for “and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms” in section catchline. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1112(m)(2), substituted “Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice” for “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms,”. Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1112(m)(3)(A), substituted “or either Bureau” for “or the Bureau”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1112(m)(3)(B), substituted “or either Bureau” for “or the Bureau” and “the Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, and the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice” for “and the Director of the Bureau”. Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1112(m)(3)(C), substituted “or either Bureau” for “or the Bureau”. 1986—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954” wherever appearing.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004. Committee on Government Operations of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.
Effective Date of 2002 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an Effective Date note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 714 - Audit of Financial Institutions Examination Council, Federal Reserve Board, Federal reserve banks, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Office of Comptroller of the Currency
## Text
(a) In this section, “agency” means the Financial Institutions Examination Council, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (in this section referred to as the “Board”), Federal reserve banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
(b) Under regulations of the Comptroller General, the Comptroller General shall audit an agency, but may carry out an onsite examination of an open insured bank or bank holding company only if the appropriate agency has consented in writing. Audits of the Board and Federal reserve banks may not include—
(1) transactions for or with a foreign central bank, government of a foreign country, or nonprivate international financing organization;
(2) deliberations, decisions, or actions on monetary policy matters, including discount window operations, reserves of member banks, securities credit, interest on deposits, and open market operations;
(3) transactions made under the direction of the Federal Open Market Committee; or
(4) a part of a discussion or communication among or between members of the Board and officers and employees of the Federal Reserve System related to clauses (1)–(3) of this subsection.
(c) (1) Except as provided in this subsection, an officer or employee of the Government Accountability Office may not disclose information identifying an open bank, an open bank holding company, or a customer of an open or closed bank or bank holding company. The Comptroller General may disclose information related to the affairs of a closed bank or closed bank holding company identifying a customer of the closed bank or closed bank holding company only if the Comptroller General believes the customer had a controlling influence in the management of the closed bank or closed bank holding company or was related to or affiliated with a person or group having a controlling influence.
(2) An officer or employee of the Office may discuss a customer, bank, or bank holding company with an official of an agency and may report an apparent criminal violation to an appropriate law enforcement authority of the United States Government or a State.
(3) Except as provided under paragraph (4), an officer or employee of the Government Accountability Office may not disclose to any person outside the Government Accountability Office information obtained in audits or examinations conducted under subsection (e) and maintained as confidential by the Board or the Federal reserve banks.
(4) This subsection shall not—
(A) authorize an officer or employee of an agency to withhold information from any committee or subcommittee of jurisdiction of Congress, or any member of such committee or subcommittee; or
(B) limit any disclosure by the Government Accountability Office to any committee or subcommittee of jurisdiction of Congress, or any member of such committee or subcommittee.
(d) (1) To carry out this section, all records and property of or used by an agency, including samples of reports of examinations of a bank or bank holding company the Comptroller General considers statistically meaningful and workpapers and correspondence related to the reports shall be made available to the Comptroller General. The Comptroller General shall have access to the officers, employees, contractors, and other agents and representatives of an agency and any entity established by an agency at any reasonable time as the Comptroller General may request. The Comptroller General may make and retain copies of such books, accounts, and other records as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. The Comptroller General shall give an agency a current list of officers and employees to whom, with proper identification, records and property may be made available, and who may make notes or copies necessary to carry out an audit.
(2) The Comptroller General shall prevent unauthorized access to records, copies of any record, or property of or used by an agency or any person or entity described in paragraph (3)(A) that the Comptroller General obtains during an audit.
(3) (A) For purposes of conducting audits and examinations under subsection (e) or (f), the Comptroller General shall have access, upon request, to any information, data, schedules, books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, electronic communications, or other papers, things or property belonging to or in use by—
(i) any entity established by any action taken by the Board or the Federal Reserve banks described under subsection (e) or (f);
(ii) any entity participating in or receiving assistance from any action taken by the Board or the Federal Reserve banks described under subsection (e) or (f), to the extent that the access and request relates to that assistance; and
(iii) the officers, directors, employees, independent public accountants, financial advisors and any and all representatives of any entity described under clause (i) or (ii); to the extent that the access and request relates to that assistance;
(B) The Comptroller General shall have access as provided under subparagraph (A) at such time as the Comptroller General may request. The Comptroller General may make and retain copies of books, accounts, and other records provided under subparagraph (A) as the Comptroller General deems appropriate. The Comptroller General shall provide to any person or entity described in subparagraph (A) a current list of officers and employees to whom, with proper identification, records and property may be made available, and who may make notes or copies necessary to carry out a 11 So in original. Probably should be “an”. audit or examination under this subsection.
(C) Each contract, term sheet, or other agreement between the Board or any Federal reserve bank (or any entity established by the Board or any Federal reserve bank) and an entity receiving assistance from any action taken by the Board described under subsection (e) or (f) shall provide for access by the Comptroller General in accordance with this paragraph.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the Comptroller General may conduct audits, including onsite examinations when the Comptroller General determines such audits and examinations are appropriate, of any action taken by the Board under the third undesignated paragraph of section 13 22 See References in Text note below. of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 343); with respect to a single and specific partnership or corporation.
(f) Audits of Credit Facilities of the Federal Reserve System.— (1) Definitions.— In this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A) Credit facility.— The term “credit facility” means a program or facility, including any special purpose vehicle or other entity established by or on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal reserve bank, authorized by the Board of Governors under section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 343), that is not subject to audit under subsection (e).
(B) Covered transaction.— The term “covered transaction” means any open market transaction or discount window advance that meets the definition of “covered transaction” in section 11(s) of the Federal Reserve Act.
(2) Authority for audits and examinations.— Subject to paragraph (3), and notwithstanding any limitation in subsection (b) on the auditing and oversight of certain functions of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any Federal reserve bank, the Comptroller General of the United States may conduct audits, including onsite examinations, of the Board of Governors, a Federal reserve bank, or a credit facility, if the Comptroller General determines that such audits are appropriate, solely for the purposes of assessing, with respect to a credit facility or a covered transaction—
(A) the operational integrity, accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls governing the credit facility or covered transaction;
(B) the effectiveness of the security and collateral policies established for the facility or covered transaction in mitigating risk to the relevant Federal reserve bank and taxpayers;
(C) whether the credit facility or the conduct of a covered transaction inappropriately favors one or more specific participants over other institutions eligible to utilize the facility; and
(D) the policies governing the use, selection, or payment of third-party contractors by or for any credit facility or to conduct any covered transaction.
(3) Reports and delayed disclosure.— (A) Reports required.— A report on each audit conducted under paragraph (2) shall be submitted by the Comptroller General to the Congress before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which such audit is completed.
(B) Contents.— The report under subparagraph (A) shall include a detailed description of the findings and conclusions of the Comptroller General with respect to the matters described in paragraph (2) that were audited and are the subject of the report, together with such recommendations for legislative or administrative action relating to such matters as the Comptroller General may determine to be appropriate.
(C) Delayed release of certain information.— (i) In general.— The Comptroller General shall not disclose to any person or entity, including to Congress, the names or identifying details of specific participants in any credit facility or covered transaction, the amounts borrowed by or transferred by or to specific participants in any credit facility or covered transaction, or identifying details regarding assets or collateral held or transferred by, under, or in connection with any credit facility or covered transaction, and any report provided under subparagraph (A) shall be redacted to ensure that such names and details are not disclosed.
(ii) Delayed release.— The nondisclosure obligation under clause (i) shall expire with respect to any participant on the date on which the Board of Governors, directly or through a Federal reserve bank, publicly discloses the identity of the subject participant or the identifying details of the subject assets, collateral, or transaction.
(iii) General release.— The Comptroller General shall release a nonredacted version of any report on a credit facility 1 year after the effective date of the termination by the Board of Governors of the authorization for the credit facility. For purposes of this clause, a credit facility shall be deemed to have terminated 24 months after the date on which the credit facility ceases to make extensions of credit and loans, unless the credit facility is otherwise terminated by the Board of Governors.
(iv) Exceptions.— The nondisclosure obligation under clause (i) shall not apply to the credit facilities Maiden Lane, Maiden Lane II, and Maiden Lane III.
(v) Release of covered transaction information.— The Comptroller General shall release a nonredacted version of any report regarding covered transactions upon the release of the information regarding such covered transactions by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as provided in section 11(s) of the Federal Reserve Act.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 890; Pub. L. 101–73, title III, § 307(c), Aug. 9, 1989, 103 Stat. 353; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, § 115(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3834; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 111–22, div. A, title VIII, § 801, May 20, 2009, 123 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 111–203, title III, § 378(2), title XI, § 1102, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 1570, 2115.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 714(a)31:67(e)(2).Sept. 12, 1950, ch. 946, 64 Stat. 832, § 117(e)(1)–(5), (7); added July 21, 1978, Pub. L. 95–320, § 2, 92 Stat. 391; Nov. 10, 1978, Pub. L. 95–630, § 1010, 92 Stat. 3696. 714(b)31:67(e)(1), (3), (4). 714(c)31:67(e)(5). 714(d)31:67(e)(7). In subsection (a), the words “Financial Institutions Examination Council, the Federal Reserve Board, Federal reserve banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency” are substituted for “the agencies, banks, facilities, and corporation, listed in clauses (A), (B), (C), and (D) of paragraph (1)” for clarity. The words “and their branches and facilities” are omitted as unnecessary because of section 4 of the Rules of Organization of the Federal Reserve System set out in 12:222(note). In subsections (b) and (c), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office” and “Office” for consistency. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “rules and” are omitted as surplus. The word “agency” is substituted for 31:67(e)(1)(A)–(D) because of subsection (a). The words “(hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the Office)” are omitted because of the restatement. In clause (1), the words “government of a foreign country” are substituted for “foreign governments” for consistency. In clause (3), the words “including transactions of the Federal Reserve System Open Market Account” are omitted as surplus. In clause (4), the words “oral, written, telegraphic, or telephonic” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(1), the words “otherwise”, “to any person, nor shall the Office disclose in its report or otherwise outside of the Office”, “in a form”, and “specific” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(2), the words “An officer or employee of the Office” are substituted for “the Office or its employees” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The word “specific” is omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(3), the words “or subcommittee of the” are omitted as surplus. The words “authorized to have the information” are substituted for “duly authorized” for clarity. In subsection (d)(1), the words “To carry out this section, all rec­ords and property of or used by an agency . . . shall be made available to the Comptroller General” are substituted for 31:67(e)(7)(A)(words before 11th comma) for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “without deletions” are omitted as surplus. The words “from whatever source” and “whether or not a part of the reports” are omitted as surplus. The words “shall have the authority to authorize Office personnel to conduct such audits and to have access to agency materials described in subparagraph (A) and” are omitted because of sections 702(b) and 711 of the revised title. The words “records and property” are substituted for “such agency materials” for clarity and consistency. In subsection (d)(2), the words “records and property of or used by an agency” are substituted for “agency materials described in subparagraph (A)” for consistency. The words “The Comptroller General shall prevent unauthorized access to records or property” are substituted for 31:67(e)(7)(D)(last sentence) for clarity.
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe third undesignated paragraph of section 13 of the Federal Reserve Act, referred in subsec. (e), is deemed to be a reference to section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act, which is classified to section 343(3) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. See section 1101(c) of Pub. L. 111–203, set out as a note under section 343 of Title 12. Section 11(s) of the Federal Reserve Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(B), (3)(C)(v), is classified to section 248(s) of Title 12, Banks and Banking.
Amendments2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–203, § 378(2), substituted “and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.” for “the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision.” Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(b)(1), inserted “or any person or entity described in paragraph (3)(A)” after “used by an agency”. Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(b)(2), inserted “or (f)” after “subsection (e)” wherever appearing. Subsec. (d)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(b)(3), inserted “or the Federal Reserve banks” after “by the Board”. Subsec. (d)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(b)(3), (4), inserted “participating in or” after “any entity” and “or the Federal Reserve banks” after “by the Board”. Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(b)(5), inserted at end “The Comptroller General may make and retain copies of books, accounts, and other records provided under subparagraph (A) as the Comptroller General deems appropriate. The Comptroller General shall provide to any person or entity described in subparagraph (A) a current list of officers and employees to whom, with proper identification, records and property may be made available, and who may make notes or copies necessary to carry out a audit or examination under this subsection.” Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–203, § 1102(a), added subsec. (f). 2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(a)(1), substituted “Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (in this section referred to as the ‘Board’),” for “Federal Reserve Board,”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(a)(2)(A), which directed substitution of “Board” for “Federal Reserve Board,” in introductory provisions, was executed by making the substitution for “Federal Reserve Board” to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(a)(2)(B), struck out “of Governors” after “Board”. Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(b), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: “This subsection does not authorize an officer or employee of an agency to withhold information from a committee of Congress authorized to have the information.” Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(c)(1), inserted after first sentence “The Comptroller General shall have access to the officers, employees, contractors, and other agents and representatives of an agency and any entity established by an agency at any reasonable time as the Comptroller General may request. The Comptroller General may make and retain copies of such books, accounts, and other records as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.” Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(c)(2), inserted “, copies of any record,” after “records”. Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(c)(3), added par. (3). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–22, § 801(d), added subsec. (e). 2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–316 struck out at end of par. (1) “An agency shall give the Comptroller General suitable and lockable offices and furniture, telephones, and access to copying facilities.” and amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “Except for the temporary removal of workpapers of the Comptroller General that do not identify a customer of an open or closed bank or bank holding company, an open bank, or an open bank holding company, all workpapers of the Comptroller General and records and property of or used by an agency that the Comptroller General possesses during an audit, shall remain in the agency. The Comptroller General shall prevent unauthorized access to records or property.” 1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–73 inserted reference to Office of Thrift Supervision.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2010 AmendmentAmendment by section 378(2) of Pub. L. 111–203 effective on the transfer date, see section 351 of Pub. L. 111–203, set out as a note under section 906 of Title 2, The Congress. Amendment by section 1102 of Pub. L. 111–203 effective 1 day after July 21, 2010, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 111–203, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5301 of Title 12, Banks and Banking.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 715 - Audit of accounts and operations of the District of Columbia government
## Text
(a) In addition to the audit carried out under section 455 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 93–198, 87 Stat. 803; D.C. Code, § 47–117), the Comptroller General each year shall audit the accounts and operations of the District of Columbia government. An audit shall be carried out according to principles, under regulations, and in a way the Comptroller General prescribes. When prescribing the procedures to follow and the extent of the inspection of records, the Comptroller General shall consider generally accepted principles of auditing, including the effectiveness of accounting organizations and systems, internal audit and control, and related administrative practices.
(b) The Comptroller General shall submit each audit report to Congress and (other than the audit reports of the District of Columbia Courts) the Mayor and Council of the District of Columbia. The report shall include the scope of an audit, information the Comptroller General considers necessary to keep Congress, the Mayor, and the Council informed of operations audited, and recommendations the Comptroller General considers advisable.
(c) (1) By the 90th day after receiving an audit report from the Comptroller General, the Mayor shall state in writing to the Council measures the District of Columbia government is taking to comply with the recommendations of the Comptroller General. A copy of the statement shall be sent to Congress.
(2) After the Council receives the statement of the Mayor, the Council may make available for public inspection the report of the Comptroller General and other material the Council considers pertinent.
(d) To carry out this section, records and property of or used by the District of Columbia government necessary to make an audit easier shall be made available to the Comptroller General. The Mayor shall provide facilities to carry out an audit.
(e) Not later than March 1 of each year, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on the District of Columbia of the House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on General Services, Federalism, and the District of Columbia of the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate a review of the report of the breakdown of the independently audited revenues of the District of Columbia for the preceding fiscal year by revenues derived from the Federal Government and revenues derived from sources other than the Federal Government that is included in the independent annual audit of the funds of the District of Columbia conducted for such fiscal year.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 891; Pub. L. 102–102, § 2(c)(2), Aug. 17, 1991, 105 Stat. 496; Pub. L. 105–33, title XI, §§ 11244(b), 11717(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 754, 786.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 715(a)31:61(a)(1st, 2d sentences).Dec. 24, 1973, Pub. L. 93–198, § 736, 87 Stat. 823. 715(b)31:61(b)(1). 715(c)(1)31:61(b)(3). 715(c)(2)31:61(b)(2). 715(d)31:61(a)(last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office” for consistency. The words “of Columbia” are added for clarity. The words “rules and” are omitted as surplus. The word “way” is substituted for “procedures” and “detail” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “of the United States” are omitted as surplus. The word “records” is substituted for “vouchers and other documents” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (b), the words “of the District of Columbia” are added for clarity. The words “comments and” are omitted as surplus. The word “audited” is substituted for “to which the reports relate” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “with respect thereto” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(2), the words “After the Council receives the statement of the Mayor” are substituted for “After the Mayor has had an opportunity to be heard”, and the words “of the Comptroller General” are added, for clarity. The word “thereto” is omitted as surplus. In subsection (d), the words “To carry out this section” are added for clarity. The words “records and property of or used by . . . shall be made available to the Comptroller General” are substituted for 31:61(a)(last sentence 1st–30th words) for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “of Columbia government” are added for consistency. The words “The Mayor shall provide facilities to carry out an audit” are substituted for 31:61(a)(last sentence words after last comma) for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–33, § 11717(b), substituted “District of Columbia Home Rule Act” for “District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–33, § 11244(b), substituted “and (other than the audit reports of the District of Columbia Courts) the Mayor” for “and the Mayor”. 1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–102 added subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004.
Effective Date of 1997 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective Oct. 1, 1997, except as otherwise provided in title XI of Pub. L. 105–33, see section 11721 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 4246 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Effective Date of 1991 AmendmentPub. L. 102–102, § 2(e), Aug. 17, 1991, 105 Stat. 496, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 1991].”
Termination of Reporting RequirementsFor termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which the requirement to submit annual audit reports to Congress under subsec. (b) of this section is listed on page 4), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, and section 1(a)(4) [div. A, § 1402(1)] of Pub. L. 106–554, set out as notes under section 1113 of this title.
Abolition of House Committee on the District of Columbia Committee on the District of Columbia of House of Representatives abolished by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. References to Committee on the District of Columbia treated as referring to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives, see section 1(b) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 716 - Availability of information and inspection of records
## Text
(a) (1) The Comptroller General is authorized to obtain such agency records as the Comptroller General requires to discharge the duties of the Comptroller General (including audit, evaluation, and investigative duties), including through the bringing of civil actions under this section. In reviewing a civil action under this section, the court shall recognize the continuing force and effect of the authorization in the preceding sentence until such time as the authorization is repealed pursuant to law.
(2) Each agency shall give the Comptroller General information the Comptroller General requires about the duties, powers, activities, organization, and financial transactions of the agency. The Comptroller General may inspect an agency record to get the information. This subsection does not apply to expenditures made under section 3524 or 3526(e) of this title.
(b) (1) When an agency record is not made available to the Comptroller General within a reasonable time, the Comptroller General may make a written request to the head of the agency. The request shall state the authority for inspecting the records and the reason for the inspection. The head of the agency has 20 days after receiving the request to respond. The response shall describe the record withheld and the reason the record is being withheld. If the Comptroller General is not given an opportunity to inspect the record within the 20-day period, the Comptroller General may file a report with the President, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, the head of the agency, and Congress.
(2) Through an attorney the Comptroller General designates in writing, the Comptroller General may bring a civil action in the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia to require the head of the agency to produce a record—
(A) after 20 days after a report is filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(B) subject to subsection (d) of this section.
(3) The Attorney General may represent the head of the agency. The court may punish a failure to obey an order of the court under this subsection as a contempt of court.
(c) (1) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Comptroller General may subpena a record of a person not in the United States Government when the record is not made available to the Comptroller General to which the Comptroller General has access by law or by agreement of that person from whom access is sought. A subpena shall identify the record and the authority for the inspection and may be issued by the Comptroller General. The Comptroller General may have an individual serve a subpena under this subsection by delivering a copy to the person named in the subpena or by mailing a copy of the subpena by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the residence or principal place of business of the person. Proof of service is shown by a verified return by the individual serving the subpena that states how the subpena was served or by the return receipt signed by the person served.
(2) If a person residing, found, or doing business in a judicial district refuses to comply with a subpena issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Comptroller General, through an attorney the Comptroller General designates in writing, may bring a civil action in that district court to require the person to produce the record. The court has jurisdiction of the action and may punish a failure to obey an order of the court under this subsection as a contempt of court.
(d) (1) The Comptroller General may not bring a civil action for a record withheld under subsection (b) of this section or issue a subpena under subsection (c) of this section if—
(A) the record related to activities the President designates as foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities;
(B) the record is specifically exempted from disclosure to the Comptroller General by a statute that—
(i) without discretion requires that the record be withheld from the Comptroller General;
(ii) establishes particular criteria for withholding the record from the Comptroller General; or
(iii) refers to particular types of records to be withheld from the Comptroller General; or
(C) by the 20th day after a report is filed under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the President or the Director certifies to the Comptroller General and Congress that a record could be withheld under section 552(b)(5) or (7) of title 5 and disclosure reasonably could be expected to impair substantially the operations of the Government.
(2) The President or the Director may not delegate certification under paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection. A certification shall include a complete explanation of the reasons for the certification.
(e) (1) The Comptroller General shall maintain the same level of confidentiality for a record made available under this section as is required of the head of the agency from which it is obtained. Officers and employees of the Government Accountability Office are subject to the same statutory penalties for unauthorized disclosure or use as officers or employees of the agency.
(2) The Comptroller General shall keep information described in section 552(b)(6) of title 5 that the Comptroller General obtains in a way that prevents unwarranted invasions of personal privacy.
(3) This section does not authorize information to be withheld from Congress.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 115–3, § 2(c), Jan. 31, 2017, 131 Stat. 7.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 716(a)31:54(a).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 313(a), 42 Stat. 26; Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 102, 94 Stat. 312. 716(b)31:54(b).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 313(b)–(f); added Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 102, 94 Stat. 312. 716(c)31:54(c). 716(d)31:54(d). 716(e)31:54(e), (f). In the section, the word “records” is substituted for “books, documents, papers, or records”, “books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents”, and “written information, books, documents, papers, or records” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The word “Congress” is substituted for “Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate” for consistency in the revised title. In subsections (a) and (b), the word “agency” is substituted for “departments and establishments” because of section 701 of the revised title. In subsection (a), the words “methods of business” are omitted as surplus. The words “or any of his assistants or employees, when duly authorized by him” are omitted because of sections 702(b) and 711 of the revised title. The word “inspect” is substituted for “shall . . . have access to and the right to examine” for consistency. The cross reference to section 3524 is added for clarity. In subsection (b)(1), the words “to the Comptroller General” are substituted for “access to” for clarity and consistency. The words “in his discretion”, “in addition to subsection (a)”, “a period of”, and “to the written request of the Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. The words “or any of his designated assistants or employees” are omitted because of sections 702(b) and 711 of the revised title. In subsection (b)(2), before clause (A), the words “bring a civil action” are substituted for “apply” to conform to rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). In clause (A), the words “calendar” and “written” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(3), the words “head of the agency” are substituted for “defendant official” for consistency. In subsection (c)(1), the words “require by . . . the production of” are omitted as surplus. The words “person not in the United States Government” are substituted for “contractors, subcontractors, or other non-Federal persons” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “from whom access is sought”, “in the case of service by certified or registered mail”, and “post office” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(2), the words “judicial district” are substituted for “jurisdiction of any district court of the United States” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “contumacy or” are omitted as surplus. The words “may bring a civil action” are substituted for “upon application made by” to conform to rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words “requiring the production of material” are omitted as surplus. In clause (C), the words “in writing”, “consists of matters which . . . from disclosure”, “United States Code”, “of such material to the Comptroller General”, and “Federal” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e)(1), the words “the head of” are added for consistency. The words “from which such material was obtained” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–3 added par. (1) and redesignated existing provisions as par. (2). 2004—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 717 - Evaluating programs and activities of the United States Government
## Text
(a) In this section, “agency” means a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government (except a mixed-ownership Government corporation) or the District of Columbia government.
(b) The Comptroller General shall evaluate the results of a program or activity the Government carries out under existing law—
(1) on the initiative of the Comptroller General;
(2) when either House of Congress orders an evaluation; or
(3) when a committee of Congress with jurisdiction over the program or activity requests the evaluation.
(c) The Comptroller General shall develop and recommend to Congress ways to evaluate a program or activity the Government carries out under existing law.
(d) (1) On request of a committee of Congress, the Comptroller General shall help the committee to—
(A) develop a statement of legislative goals and ways to assess and report program performance related to the goals, including recommended ways to assess performance, information to be reported, responsibility for reporting, frequency of reports, and feasibility of pilot testing; and
(B) assess program evaluations prepared by and for an agency.
(2) On request of a member of Congress, the Comptroller General shall give the member a copy of the material the Comptroller General compiles in carrying out this subsection that has been released by the committee for which the material was compiled.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 893.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 717(a)31:1157.Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 207, 84 Stat. 1168. 717(b)31:1154(a).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 204(a)–(c), 84 Stat. 1168; restated July 12, 1974, Pub. L. 93–344, § 702(a), 88 Stat. 326. 717(c)31:1154(c). 717(d)31:1154(b). Subsection (a) restates the source provisions because of section 701 of the revised title and for consistency with section 101 of the revised title. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the word “evaluate” is substituted for “review and evaluate” to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (3), the words “a committee of Congress” are substituted for “any committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate, or any joint committee of the two Houses” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (c), the word “evaluate” is substituted for “review and evaluation” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words “committee of Congress” are substituted for “committee of either House or any joint committee of the two Houses” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (A), the words “objectives and”, “actual”, and “but are not limited to” are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the words “analyzing and” and “or evaluation studies” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (d)(2), the word “Congress” is substituted for “either House” for clarity. The words “statement or other” are omitted as surplus.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 718 - Availability of draft reports
## Text
(a) A draft report of an audit under section 714 of this title shall be submitted to the Financial Institutions Examination Council, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for comment for 30 days.
(b) (1) The Comptroller General may submit a part of a draft report to an agency for comment for more than 30 days only if the Comptroller General decides, after a showing by the agency, that a longer period is necessary and likely to result in a more accurate report. The report may not be delayed because the agency does not comment within the comment period.
(2) When a draft report is submitted to an agency for comment, the Comptroller General shall make the draft report available on request to—
(A) either House of Congress, a committee of Congress, or a member of Congress if the report was begun because of a request of the House, committee, or member; or
(B) the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives if the report was not begun because of a request of either House of Congress, a committee of Congress, or a member of Congress.
(3) This subsection is subject to statutory and executive order guidelines for handling and storing classified information and material.
(c) A final report of the Comptroller General shall include—
(1) a statement of significant changes of a finding, conclusion, or recommendation in an earlier draft report because of comments on the draft by an agency;
(2) a statement of the reasons the changes were made; and
(3) for a draft report submitted under subsection (a) of this section, written comments of the agency submitted during the comment period.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 894.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 718(a)31:67(e)(6)(B)(1st sentence).Sept. 12, 1950, ch. 946, 64 Stat. 832, § 117(e)(6)(B); added July 21, 1978, Pub. L. 95–320, § 2, 92 Stat. 392. 718(b)(1)31:53(f)(1), (2).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 312(f); added Apr. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–226, § 103, 94 Stat. 314. 718(b)(2)31:53(f)(3). 718(b)(3)31:53(f)(5). 718(c)(1)31:53(f)(4)(A). 718(c)(2)31:53(f)(4)(B). 718(c)(3)31:67(e)(6)(B)(last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “audit under section 714 of this title” are substituted for “such Office audit report”, and the words “Financial Institutions Examination Council, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency” are substituted for “agency concerned (other than banks, branches, and facilities)”, because of the restatement. In subsection (b)(1), the words “The report may not be delayed because the agency does not comment within the comment period” are substituted for 31:53(f)(2) to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (b)(2)(A), the words “pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or otherwise” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(2)(B), the words “if the report was not begun because of a request of either House of Congress, a committee of Congress, or a member of Congress” are substituted for “in the case of any other report” for clarity and consistency. In subsection (b)(3), the words “Procedures followed pursuant to” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words “version of any” are omitted as surplus. The words “shall include” are substituted for “The Comptroller General shall prepare and issue with” because of the restatement. The words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office” for consistency. In clause (3), the words “when a draft report was submitted under subsection (a) of this section” are added because of the restatement. The words “as an addendum” are omitted as surplus.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004. Committee on Government Operations of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 720 - Agency reports
## Text
(a) In this section, “agency” means a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government (except a mixed-ownership Government corporation) or the District of Columbia government.
(b) When the Comptroller General makes a report that includes a recommendation to the head of an agency, the head of the agency shall submit a written statement on action taken or planned on the recommendation by the head of the agency. The statement shall be submitted to—
(1) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the agency program or activity that is the subject of the recommendation, and the Government Accountability Office before the 181st day after the date of the report; and
(2) the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress in the first request for appropriations submitted more than 180 days after the date of the report.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 896; Pub. L. 115–3, § 2(b), Jan. 31, 2017, 131 Stat. 7; Pub. L. 115–414, § 3, Jan. 3, 2019, 132 Stat. 5431.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 720(a)31:1157.Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, §§ 207, 236, 84 Stat. 1168, 1171. 720(b)31:1176. In subsection (a), the words “As used . . . the term”, “Federal”, and “establishment” are omitted as surplus. The words in parentheses are included for consistency with section 101 of the revised title. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office”, and the words “head of the” are added, for consistency. The word “written” is omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words “Governmental Affairs of the Senate” are substituted for “Government Operations of the . . . Senate” because of Rule 25.1(k) of the Standing Rules of the Senate (S. Doc. 96–1, 96th Cong., 1st Sess.). In clause (2), the words “both Houses of Congress” are substituted for “the House of Representatives and the Senate” for consistency. The words “connection with”, “for that agency”, and “to the Congress” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2019—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–414, § 3(1), substituted “181st” for “61st”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–414, § 3(2), substituted “180” for “60”. 2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–3, § 2(b)(1), inserted “or planned” after “action taken” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–3, § 2(b)(2), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives before the 61st day after the date of the report; and”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 721 - Access to certain information
## Text
(a) No provision of the Social Security Act, including section 453(l) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 653(l)), shall be construed to limit, amend, or supersede the authority of the Comptroller General to obtain any information or to inspect any record under section 716 of this title.
(b) The specific reference to a statute in subsection (a) shall not be construed to affect access by the Government Accountability Office to information under statutes that are not so referenced.
(Added Pub. L. 115–3, § 2(a), Jan. 31, 2017, 131 Stat. 7.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§ 301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 731 - General
## Text
(a) The Comptroller General may appoint, pay, assign, and remove officers (except the Deputy Comptroller General) and employees the Comptroller General decides are necessary to carry out the duties and powers of the Government Accountability Office.
(b) The Comptroller General may establish for appropriate officers and employees a merit pay system consistent with section 5401 of title 5, as in effect on October 31, 1993.
(c) The annual rate of basic pay of the General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office is equal to the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule.
[(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(a)(1), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3548.]
(e) The Comptroller General may procure the services of experts and consultants under section 3109 of title 5 at rates not in excess of the daily rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule, except that the services of not more than 20 experts and consultants may be procured for terms of not more than 3 years, but which shall be renewable.
(f) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under which officers and employees of the Office may, in appropriate circumstances, be reimbursed for any relocation expenses under subchapter II of chapter 57 of title 5 for which they would not otherwise be eligible, but only if the Comptroller General determines that the transfer giving rise to such relocation is of sufficient benefit or value to the Office to justify such reimbursement.
(g) The Comptroller General shall prescribe regulations under which key officers and employees of the Office who have less than 3 years of service may accrue leave in accordance with section 6303(a)(2) of title 5, in those circumstances in which the Comptroller General has determined such increased annual leave is appropriate for the recruitment or retention of such officers and employees. Such regulations shall define key officers and employees and set forth the factors in determining which officers and employees should be allowed to accrue leave in accordance with this subsection.
(h) The Comptroller General may by regulation establish an executive exchange program under which officers and employees of the Office may be assigned to private sector organizations, and employees of private sector organizations may be assigned to the Office, to further the institutional interests of the Office or Congress, including for the purpose of providing training to officers and employees of the Office. Regulations to carry out any such program—
(1) shall include provisions (consistent with sections 3702 through 3704 of title 5) as to matters concerning—
(A) the duration and termination of assignments;
(B) reimbursements; and
(C) status, entitlements, benefits, and obligations of program participants;
(2) shall limit—
(A) the number of officers and employees who are assigned to private sector organizations at any one time to not more than 15; and
(B) the number of employees from private sector organizations who are assigned to the Office at any one time to not more than 30;
(3) shall require that an employee of a private sector organization assigned to the Office may not have access to any trade secrets or to any other nonpublic information which is of commercial value to the private sector organization from which such employee is assigned;
(4) shall require that, before approving the assignment of an officer or employee to a private sector organization, the Comptroller General shall determine that the assignment is an effective use of the Office’s funds, taking into account the best interests of the Office and the costs and benefits of alternative methods of achieving the same results and objectives; and
(5) shall not allow any assignment under this subsection to commence after the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(i) An employee of a private sector organization assigned to the Office under the executive exchange program shall be considered to be an employee of the Office for purposes of—
(1) chapter 73 of title 5;
(2) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 603, 606, 607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18;
(3) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of this title;
(4) chapter 171 of title 28 (commonly referred to as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”) and any other Federal tort liability statute;
(5) chapter 131 of title 5;
(6) section 1043 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
(7) chapter 21 of title 41.
(j) Funds appropriated to the Government Accountability Office for salaries and expenses are available for meals and other related reasonable expenses incurred in connection with recruitment.
(k) Federal Government Details.— The activities of the Government Accountability Office may, in the reasonable discretion of the Comptroller General, be carried out by receiving details of personnel from other offices of the Federal Government on a reimbursable, partially-reimbursable, or nonreimbursable basis.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 896; Pub. L. 98–326, § 1(a), June 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 269; Pub. L. 98–615, title II, § 204(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3216; Pub. L. 103–89, § 3(b)(4), Sept. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 983; Pub. L. 106–303, § 5, Oct. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 1069; Pub. L. 108–271, §§ 5–7, 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 813, 814; Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(a), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3548; Pub. L. 111–350, § 5(h)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3849; Pub. L. 114–113, div. I, title I, § 1301(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2671; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(c)(35), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4358.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 731(a)31:44(1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304(1st par. 1st sentence), 42 Stat. 24. 31:52(a), (b).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 311(a), (b), 42 Stat. 25; restated Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 8(e)(3), 94 Stat. 33. 31:52–1(related to appointment, pay, and assignment).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, §§ 2(related to appointment, pay, and assignment), 5(b), 94 Stat. 27, 32. 31:56.Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 297, § 1(proviso on p. 866), 35 Stat 866; May 29, 1920, ch. 214, § 1(last par. under heading “Office of Comptroller of the Treasury”), 41 Stat. 647. 731(b)31:52–4(b). 731(c)31:51a.Aug. 14, 1964, Pub. L. 88–426, § 203(c)(5th–14th words), 78 Stat. 415; Dec. 16, 1967, Pub. L. 90–206, § 219(2), 81 Stat. 639; restated Aug. 9, 1975, Pub. L. 94–82, § 204(b), 89 Stat. 421. 731(d)31:52b.Aug. 14, 1964, Pub. L. 88–426, 78 Stat. 400, § 203(i); added Dec. 15, 1971, Pub. L. 92–190, 85 Stat. 646. 731(e)31:52c.Jan. 2, 1975, Pub. L. 93–604, § 401, 88 Stat. 1962. 31:1154(d)(last sentence).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 204(d)(last sentence), 84 Stat. 1168; restated July 12, 1974, Pub. L. 93–344, § 702(a), 88 Stat. 326. In subsection (a), the text of 31:52(a) and (b) and 31:56 is omitted as superseded by the other source provisions restated in this subchapter and subchapter IV of this chapter. The word “remove” is added for consistency with other provisions of the subchapter. The words “officers (except the Deputy Comptroller General) and employees” are substituted for “personnel” in 31:52–1, and the word “powers” is substituted for “functions”, for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. Subsection (b) is substituted for 31:52–4(b) to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “officers and” are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsections (c) and (d), the words “basic pay” are substituted for “compensation” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsection (c), the words “United States” and “positions at” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (d), the words “in the General Accounting Office”, “prescribed . . . under section 5315 of title 5”, and “of the Office” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e), before clause (1), the words “procure the services of” are substituted for “employ” for consistency with 5:3109. The words “at rates not in excess of the maximum daily rate prescribed for GS–18 under section 5332 of title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently” are omitted as unnecessary because of 5:3109. In clause (1), the word “periods” is omitted as surplus. Clause (2) is substituted for 31:1154(d)(last sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “and consultants” are added because of 5:3109.
Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 5401 of title 5, referred to in subsec. (b), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–89, § 3(a)(1), Sept. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 981. Level IV of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (e), is set out in section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (h)(5), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 108–271, which was approved July 7, 2004. Section 1043 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (i)(6), is classified to section 1043 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendments2022—Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 131 of title 5;” for “the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.);”. 2015—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 114–113 added subsec. (k). 2011—Subsec. (i)(7). Pub. L. 111–350 substituted “chapter 21 of title 41” for “section 27 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423)”. 2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(a)(1), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: “When a change in organization, management responsibility, or workload makes it necessary, the Comptroller General may fix the rate of basic pay of 5 positions at rates not more than the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule.” Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(a)(2), substituted “daily rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule” for “maximum daily rate for GS–18 under section 5332 of such title” and “more than 20 experts and consultants may be procured for terms of not more than 3 years, but which shall be renewable.” for “more than— “(1) 15 experts and consultants may be procured for terms of not more than 3 years, but which shall be renewable; and “(2) 10 experts and consultants may be procured permanently, temporarily, or intermittently to carry out sections 717(b)–(d) and 719(b)(1)(A) of this title at rates that are not more than the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule.” Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(a)(3), added subsec. (j). 2004—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–271, § 5, added subsec. (f). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–271, § 6, added subsec. (g). Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 108–271, § 7, added subsecs. (h) and (i). 2000—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–303, § 5(1), substituted “terms of not more than 3 years, but which shall be renewable” for “not more than 3 years”. Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–303, § 5(2), substituted “level IV” for “level V”. 1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–89 inserted before period at end “, as in effect on October 31, 1993”. 1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–615 substituted “section 5401 of title 5” for “section 5401(a) of title 5”. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–236 substituted “title 5 at rates not in excess of the maximum daily rate for GS–18 under section 5332 of such title” for “title 5” in provisions preceding par. (1) and “15” for “10” in par. (1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 AmendmentPub. L. 114–113, div. I, title I, § 1301(b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2671, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2016 and each succeeding fiscal year.”
Effective Date of 2004 AmendmentPub. L. 108–271, § 13, July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 816, provided that: “(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act [see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [July 7, 2004]. “(b) Pay Adjustments.—“(1) In general.—Section 3 of this Act [amending sections 732 and 733 of this title] and the amendments made by that section shall take effect on October 1, 2005, and shall apply in the case of any annual pay adjustment taking effect on or after that date. “(2) Interim authorities.—In connection with any pay adjustment taking effect under section 732(c)(3) or 733(a)(3)(B) of title 31, United States Code, before October 1, 2005, the Comptroller General may by regulation—“(A) provide that such adjustment not be applied in the case of any officer or employee whose performance is not at a satisfactory level, as determined by the Comptroller General for purposes of such adjustment; and “(B) provide that such adjustment be reduced if and to the extent necessary because of extraordinary economic conditions or serious budget constraints. “(3) Additional authority.—“(A) In general.—The Comptroller General may by regulation delay the effective date of section 3 of this Act and the amendments made by that section for groups of officers and employees that the Comptroller General considers appropriate. “(B) Interim authorities.—If the Comptroller General provides for a delayed effective date under subparagraph (A) with respect to any group of officers or employees, paragraph (2) shall, for purposes of such group, be applied by substituting such date for ‘October 1, 2005’.”
Effective Date of 1993 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 103–89 effective Nov. 1, 1993, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 103–89, set out as a note under section 3372 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Effective Date of 1984 AmendmentsPub. L. 98–615, title II, § 205, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3217, provided that amendment by Pub. L. 98–615 was effective Oct. 1, 1984, and applicable with respect to pay periods commencing on or after that date, with certain exceptions and qualifications. Pub. L. 98–326, § 2, June 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 269, provided that: “The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 732 and 733 of this title] shall take effect beginning on October 1, 1984.”
ConsultationPub. L. 108–271, § 10, July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 815, provided that: “Before the implementation of any changes authorized under this Act [see Tables for classification], the Comptroller General shall consult with any interested groups or associations representing officers and employees of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office].”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 732a - Critical positions
## Text
(a) The Comptroller General may establish senior-level positions to meet critical scientific, technical or professional needs of the Government Accountability Office. An individual serving in such a position shall—
(1) be subject to the laws and regulations applicable to the General Accounting Office Senior Executive Service 11 See Change of Name note below. under section 733 of this title, with respect to rates of basic pay, performance awards, ranks, carry over of annual leave, benefits, performance appraisals, removal or suspension, and reductions in force;
(2) have the same rights of appeal to the General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board 1 as are provided to the Office Senior Executive Service;
(3) be exempt from the same provisions of law as are made inapplicable to the Office Senior Executive Service under section 733(d) of this title, except for section 732(e) of this title;
(4) be entitled to discontinued service retirement under chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 as if a member of the Office Senior Executive Service; and
(5) be subject to reassignment by the Comptroller General to any position in the Office Senior Executive Service under section 733 of this title, as the Comptroller General determines necessary and appropriate.
(b) Senior-level positions under this section may include positions referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 731(e) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 106–303, § 4(a)(1), Oct. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 1068; amended Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(b)(1), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3548.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–323 substituted “paragraph (1) or (2) of section 731(e)” for “section 731(d), (e)(1), or (e)(2)”. 2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in introductory provisions.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 733 - Senior Executive Service
## Text
(a) The Comptroller General may establish a General Accounting Office Senior Executive Service 11 See Change of Name note below. —
(1) meeting the requirements of section 3131 of title 5;
(2) providing requirements for positions consistent with section 3132(a)(2) of title 5;
(3) providing rates of basic pay—
(A) not more than the maximum rate or less than the minimum rate for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5; and
(B) adjusted annually by the Comptroller General after taking into consideration the factors listed under section 732(c)(3) of this title, except that an adjustment under this subparagraph shall not be applied in the case of any officer or employee whose performance is not at a satisfactory level, as determined by the Comptroller General for purposes of such adjustment;
(4) providing a performance appraisal system consistent with subchapter II of chapter 43 of title 5;
(5) allowing the Comptroller General to award ranks to officers and employees in the Office Senior Executive Service consistent with section 4507 of title 5;
(6) providing for removal consistent with section 3592 of title 5, and for removal or suspension consistent with section 7543 of title 5;
(7) allowing the Comptroller General to reassign an officer or employee in the Office Senior Executive Service to any senior-level position established under section 732a of this title, as the Comptroller General determines necessary and appropriate; and
(8) allowing the Comptroller General to pay performance awards to officers and employees of the Office Senior Executive Service consistent with section 5384 of title 5.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (a), the Comptroller General may apply any part of title 5 that applies to an applicant for or officer or employee in the Senior Executive Service under title 5 to the Office Senior Executive Service.
(c) The Office Senior Executive Service may include positions referred to in section 731(c), (e)(1), or (e)(2) of this title.
(d) Section 732(b)(6), (c), (d)(1)–(4), and (e) of this title does not apply to the Office Senior Executive Service.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 98–326, § 1(c), June 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 269; Pub. L. 106–303, § 4(b), Oct. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 1069; Pub. L. 108–271, § 3(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 812; Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(b)(2), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3548.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 733(a)31:52–4(a)(1).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 5(a), 94 Stat. 31. 733(b)31:52–4(a)(2). 733(c)31:52–4(a)(4). 733(d)31:52–4(a)(3). In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words “promulgate regulations” are omitted as surplus. The words “(hereinafter referred to as the GAO Senior Executive Service)” are omitted because of the restatement. In clause (1), the words “for the Senior Executive Service” are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words “in the GAO Senior Executive Service . . . which are” are omitted as surplus. In clause (3), before subclause (A), the words “for the GAO Senior Executive Service” are omitted as surplus. In subclause (A), the word “established” is omitted as surplus. In clause (4), the words “for the GAO Senior Executive Service” are omitted as surplus. In clauses (5) and (7), the words “officers and employees” are substituted for “members” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In clause (5), the words “the provisions applicable to the Office of Personnel Management and the President under” are omitted as surplus. In clause (7), the words “the provisions applicable to performance awards under” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “officer or employee” are substituted for “member” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsection (d), the words “Employees in . . . the personnel system established under” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–323 struck out “(d),” after “731(c),”. 2004—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 108–271 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “adjusted at the same time and to the same extent as rates in the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5 are adjusted;”. 2000—Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 106–303 added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8). 1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–326 inserted “(e)(1),” after “(d),”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
Effective Date of 2004 AmendmentAmendment by section 3 of Pub. L. 108–271 effective Oct. 1, 2005, and applicable in the case of any annual pay adjustment taking effect on or after Oct. 1, 2005, subject to authority of Comptroller General to change pay adjustments or delay the effective date for certain groups of officers and employees, see section 13 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 731 of this title.
Effective Date of 1984 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–326 effective Oct. 1, 1984, see section 2 of Pub. L. 98–326, set out as a note under section 731 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 734 - Assignments and details to Congress
## Text
The Comptroller General may assign or detail an officer or employee of the Government Accountability Office to full-time continuous duty with a committee of Congress for not more than one year.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 98–367, title I, § 8, July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 475; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 734(a)31:1175(a).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, § 235(a), 84 Stat. 1171. 734(b)31:1175(c).Oct. 26, 1970, Pub. L. 91–510, 84 Stat. 1140, § 235(c); added Oct. 11, 1971, Pub. L. 92–136, § 8, 85 Stat. 378. In the section, the words “officer or” are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In subsection (a), the words “Notwithstanding any other provision of law” are omitted as surplus. The word “continuous” is substituted for “on a continuing basis” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “committee of Congress” are substituted for “committee of the Senate or House of Representatives or with any joint committee of Congress” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “any period of” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “General Accounting Office” for consistency. The word “pay” is substituted for “salary” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1984—Pub. L. 98–367 struck out designation of provisions as “(a)” and struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: “A committee of the Senate or a joint committee of Congress for which the Secretary of the Senate disburses amounts shall reimburse the Comptroller General for the pay of each officer or employee of the Office for the time the officer or employee is assigned or detailed to the committee or joint committee.”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 735 - Relationship to other laws
## Text
(a) Except as provided in section 733(c) of this title, this subchapter and subchapter IV of this chapter do not affect sections 702(b), 703, 731(c) and (e), 772, 775(a) and (d) of this title.
(b) Except as specifically provided in this subchapter and subchapter IV of this chapter, those subchapters do not change the application of a law applicable to officers and employees of the Government Accountability Office.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 110–323, § 9(b)(3), Sept. 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 3548.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 735(a)31:52–6(a).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 7, 94 Stat. 33. 735(b)31:52–6(b). In subsection (a), the words “repealing, amending, or otherwise” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “repeal . . . or limit” are omitted as surplus. The words “officers and” are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–323 substituted “731(c) and (e),” for “731(c)–(e),”. 2004—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
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section: "736"
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# 31 U.S.C. § 736 - Authorization of appropriations
## Text
Amounts necessary to carry out this subchapter and subchapter IV of this chapter may be appropriated to the Comptroller General.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 900.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 73631:52–7.Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 9, 94 Stat. 34. The word “hereby” is omitted as surplus. The words “to the Comptroller General” are added for consistency. The words “beginning fiscal year 1981 and for each fiscal year thereafter” are omitted as executed.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 751 - Organization
## Text
(a) The Government Accountability Office has a General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board.11 See Change of Name note below. The Board is composed of 5 members appointed by the Comptroller General. An individual may be appointed only if the individual—
(1) is not a current or former officer or employee of the Office or of the Architect of the Capitol, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurants,; 22 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
(2) has the demonstrated ability, background, training, and experience necessary to be qualified specially to serve on the Board; and
(3) demonstrates a capacity and willingness to devote sufficient time to dispose of cases in a timely way.
(b) The Comptroller General shall appoint members only—
(1) after considering any candidates who are recommended to the Comptroller General (at such time and in such manner as the Comptroller General requires) by organizations composed primarily of individuals experienced in adjudicating or arbitrating personnel matters; and
(2) after the Comptroller General consults with organizations representing employees of the Office and with any member of each committee of Congress, having legislative jurisdiction over the personnel management system maintained under section 732 of this title, whom the chairman of the committee designates.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term of a member of the Board is 5 years. A member may not be reappointed. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a term of office is appointed for the remainder of the term. However, if the unexpired part of a term is less than one year, the Comptroller General may appoint an individual for a 5-year term plus the unexpired part of the term. When the term of a member ends, the member may continue to serve until a successor takes office or for 6 months after the term expires, whichever is earlier.
(2) (A) The term of a member serving on the date of the enactment of the General Accounting Office Personnel Amendments Act of 1988 shall be as follows:
(i) Of the 2 members appointed in 1985, the term of 1 such member shall be 5 years, and the term of the other such member shall be 6 years.
(ii) Of the 2 members appointed in 1986, the term of 1 such member shall be 6 years, and the term of the other such member shall be 7 years.
(iii) The term of the member appointed in 1987 shall be 7 years.
(B) Within 60 days after the date referred to in subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall determine—
(i) with respect to the members under subparagraph (A)(i), which will have a term of 5 years and which will have a term of 6 years; and
(ii) with respect to the members under subparagraph (A)(ii), which will have a term of 6 years and which will have a term of 7 years.
(C) A term established for a member under this paragraph shall be measured—
(i) from the date on which the member was originally appointed; or
(ii) in the case of a member serving for the unexpired portion of a term, from the appointment date of the individual who was originally appointed to serve for such term.
(d) A member may be removed by a majority of the Board (except the member subject to removal) only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. A member subject to removal shall be given notice and an opportunity for a hearing before the Board unless the member waives the opportunity in writing.
(e) While carrying out a member’s duties (including travel), a member who is not an officer or employee of the United States Government is entitled to basic pay at a rate equal to the daily rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule. Each member is entitled to travel expenses and per diem allowances under section 5703 of title 5.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 900; Pub. L. 100–426, title I, §§ 101, 102(b), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1598, 1599; Pub. L. 103–283, title III, § 312(e)(4)(A), July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1446; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 751(a)31:52–3(a)(1), (3).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 4(a)–(d), 94 Stat. 29. 751(b)31:52–3(a)(2), (4). 751(c)31:52–3(b). 751(d)31:52–3(c). 751(e)31:52–3(d). In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words “The General Accounting Office has a General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board” are substituted for 31:52–3(a)(1)(1st sentence less words between parentheses) for consistency. The text of 31:52–3(a)(1)(1st sentence words between parentheses) is omitted because of the restatement. The words “in accordance with this subsection” and “as a member of the Board” are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words “a total of” are omitted as surplus. In clause (4), the words “to service as a member of the Board in order to enable the Board . . . under this section” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “under paragraph (1)” are omitted as surplus. The word “only” is added for clarity. In clause (1), the words “in a way” are substituted for “in the form . . . and according to the procedures” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “eligible to make such a submission under paragraph (4)”, “shall be eligible to submit a list of candidates to the Comptroller General under paragraph (2)(A)”, and “the membership of” are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the word “management” is added for consistency. The words “under section 772 of this title” are added for clarity. The words “to consult with the Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c), the words “Except as provided in paragraph (2)” are omitted because of the restatement. The text of 31:52–3(b)(2) is omitted as executed. The words “of the Board” and 31:52–3(b)(4)(1st sentence) are omitted as surplus. The words “occurring before the expiration of a term of office” are substituted for “with respect to which such vacancy has occurred” for clarity. The words “or for 6 months after the term expires, whichever is earlier” are substituted for 31:52–3(b)(5)(words after comma) to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (d), the words “of the Board . . . from the Board”, “the members of”, and “proposed action of” are omitted as surplus. The words “prior to any vote of the members of the Board under paragraph (1)(A)” are omitted as surplus. The words “unless the member waives the opportunity in writing” are substituted for 31:52–3(c)(2)(last sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (e), the words “While carrying out a member’s duties” are substituted for “for each day such member is engaged in the actual performance of duties as a member of the Board” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “an officer or employee of” are substituted for “otherwise employed by” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “payable . . . under the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code” and 31:52–3(d)(2d sentence) are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe date of the enactment of the General Accounting Office Personnel Amendments Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 100–426, which was approved Sept. 9, 1988.
Amendments2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in introductory provisions. 1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–283 inserted “or of the Architect of the Capitol, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurants,” after “Office”. See Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283 note below. 1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–426, § 101(a), struck out par. (1) which required that Board appointees have 3 years full-time or part-time experience in adjudicating or arbitrating personnel matters, and redesignated pars. (2), (3), and (4) as (1), (2), and (3), respectively. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–426, § 101(b), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “from a written list of candidates, submitted to the Comptroller General in a way and at the time the Comptroller General requires, by any organization the Comptroller General believes is composed primarily of individuals experienced in adjudicating or arbitrating personnel matters; and”. Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–426, § 101(c)(1), (2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (2), the” for “The”, and substituted “5” for “3” in two places. Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–426, § 101(c)(3), added par. (2). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–426, § 102(b), substituted “basic pay at a rate equal to the daily rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule” for “pay at a rate equal to the daily rate for GS–18”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283Pub. L. 104–1, title V, § 504(c)(2), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41, provided that: “The provisions of sections 751, 753, and 755 of title 31, United States Code, amended by section 312(e) of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act [Pub. L. 103–283], shall be applied and administered as if such section 312(e) [amending this section and sections 753 and 755 of this title and enacting section 1831(e) of Title 2, The Congress] (and the amendments made by such section) had not been enacted.”
References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay RatesReferences in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, § 101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 752 - Chairman and General Counsel
## Text
(a) The General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board 11 See Change of Name note below. shall select one of its members as Chairman. The Chairman is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Board.
(b) (1) The Comptroller General shall appoint as General Counsel of the Board an individual the Chairman selects. The General Counsel serves at the pleasure of the Chairman.
(2) The Chairman shall fix the pay of the General Counsel. The rate of basic pay of the General Counsel may be not more than the maximum rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–16 of the General Schedule.
(3) The General Counsel shall—
(A) investigate an allegation about a prohibited personnel practice under section 732(b)(2) of this title to decide if there are reasonable grounds to believe the practice has occurred, exists, or will be taken by an officer or an employee of the Government Accountability Office;
(B) investigate an allegation about a prohibited political activity under section 732(b)(3) of this title;
(C) investigate a matter under the jurisdiction of the Board if the Board or a member of the Board requests; and
(D) help the Board carry out its duties and powers.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 901; Pub. L. 100–426, title I, § 102(a), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 752(a)31:52–3(e).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 4(e)–(g), 94 Stat. 30. 752(b)31:52–3(f), (g). In subsection (a), the words “members of the” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(1), the words “(hereinafter referred to as the ‘General Counsel’)” are omitted because of the restatement. The words “shall be eligible for reappointment and” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(2), the word “annual” is added for clarity. The word “basic” is added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “payable . . . of the General Schedule” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(3)(A), the words “to the extent necessary” are omitted as surplus. The words “officer or” are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsection (b)(3)(D), the word “otherwise” is omitted as surplus. The words “duties and powers” are substituted for “functions” for consistency.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1988—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–426 substituted “The rate of basic pay of the General Counsel may be not more than the maximum rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–16 of the General Schedule” for “The annual rate of basic pay of the General Counsel may be not more than the maximum rate for GS–15”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay RatesReferences in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, § 101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 753 - Duties and powers
## Text
(a) The General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board 11 See Change of Name note below. may consider and order corrective or disciplinary action in a case arising from—
(1) an officer or employee appeal about a removal, suspension for more than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or furlough of not more than 30 days;
(2) a prohibited personnel practice under section 732(b)(2) of this title;
(3) a prohibited political activity under section 732(b)(3) of this title;
(4) a decision of an appropriate unit of employees for collective bargaining;
(5) an election or certification of a collective bargaining representative;
(6) a matter appealable to the Board under the labor-management relations program under section 732(e)(2) of this title, including a labor practice prohibited under section 732(e)(1) of this title;
(7) an action involving discrimination prohibited under section 732(f)(1) of this title;
(8) an issue about Office personnel the Comptroller General by regulation decides the Board shall resolve; and
(9) an action involving discrimination prohibited under section 312(e)(2) 22 See References in Text note below. of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act.
(b) The Board has no authority to issue a stay of any reduction in force action.
(c) The Board may delegate to a member or a panel of members the authority to act under subsection (a) of this section. A decision of a member or panel under subsection (a) is deemed to be a final decision of the Board unless the Board reconsiders the decision under subsection (d) of this section.
(d) On motion of a party or on its own initiative, the Board may reconsider a decision under subsection (a) of this section by the 30th day after the decision is made.
(e) The Board shall prescribe regulations—
(1) providing for officer and employee appeals consistent with sections 7701 and 7702 of title 5; and
(2) on the operating procedure of the Board.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 901; Pub. L. 103–283, title III, § 312(e)(4)(B), July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1446; Pub. L. 104–53, title II, § 213, Nov. 19, 1995, 109 Stat. 535.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 753(a)31:52–3(h).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 4(h), (j), (k), (m), 94 Stat. 30, 31. 753(b)31:52–3(j). 753(c)31:52–3(k). 753(d)31:52–3(m). In the section, the words “officer or” are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words “decide” and “(where appropriate)” are omitted as surplus. In clause (6), the words “relations program” are substituted for “system” for consistency. In clause (8), the words “most appropriately” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “delegate . . . to act” are substituted for “designate . . . to take any action which the Board is authorized to take” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “individual” and “reopened and” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c), the words “reopen and” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (d)(1), the words “the principles of” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 312(e)(2) of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(9), was classified to section 1831(e)(2) of Title 2, The Congress, and was repealed by Pub. L. 104–1, title V, § 504(c)(1), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41, except as provided in section 1435 of Title 2.
Amendments1995—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–53, § 213(2), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c). Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–53, § 213(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c) and in second sentence substituted “under subsection (d)” for “under subsection (c)”. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d). Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 104–53, § 213(1), redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively. 1994—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 103–283 added par. (9). See Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283 note below.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283Provisions of this section amended by section 312(e) of Pub. L. 103–283 to be applied and administered as if section 312(e) and the amendments made by section 312(e) had not been enacted, see section 504(c)(2) of Pub. L. 104–1, set out as a note under section 751 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 754 - Action by the Comptroller General
## Text
When the Comptroller General has authority, the Comptroller General promptly shall carry out action the General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board 11 See Change of Name note below. orders under section 753 of this title.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 902.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 75431:52–3(i).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 4(i), 94 Stat. 31. The words “to do so” and “corrective” are omitted as surplus. The words “under section 753 of this title” are added for clarity.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 755 - Judicial review
## Text
(a) A final decision under section 753(a)(1)–(3), (6),,11 So in original. Second comma probably should follow “(7)”. (7) or (9) of this title may be reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Chapter 158 of title 28 applies to a review under this subchapter, except the petition for review shall be filed by the 30th day after the petitioner receives notice of the decision. The court shall set aside a final decision the court decides is—
(1) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not consistent with law;
(2) not made consistent with required procedures; or
(3) unsupported by substantial evidence.
(b) If an officer, employee, applicant for employment, or employee of the Architect of the Capitol, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurants is the prevailing party in a proceeding under this section, and the decision is based on a finding of discrimination prohibited under section 732(f) of this title or under section 312(e)(2) 22 See References in Text note below. of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act, attorney’s fees may be allowed by the court in accordance with the standards prescribed under section 706(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 98–216, § 1(1), Feb. 14, 1984, 98 Stat. 3; Pub. L. 100–426, title I, § 103(a), (b), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1599; Pub. L. 103–283, title III, § 312(e)(4)(C), July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1446.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes 1982 Act Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 75531:52–3(l).Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96–191, § 4(l), 94 Stat. 31. In the section, before clause (1), the first sentence is substituted for 31:52–3(l)(1)(1st sentence) for consistency with other titles of the United States Code. The word “review” is substituted for “appeal” for consistency. The words “the procedures of”, “any other provision of law”, “of a final decision of the Board . . . the date . . . of the Board”, and “In any case filed under paragraph (1) . . . review the record and” are omitted as surplus. The words “final decision” are substituted for “agency action, findings, or conclusions” for consistency. Clause (2) is substituted for 31:52–3(l)(2)(B) to eliminate unnecessary words.
1984 ActThis clarifies section 755 by conforming it more closely to the language of the source provision of the section.
Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 312(e)(2) of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act, referred to in subsec. (b), was classified to section 1831(e)(2) of Title 2, The Congress, and was repealed by Pub. L. 104–1, title V, § 504(c)(1), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41, except as provided in section 1435 of Title 2. Section 706(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b), is classified to section 2000e–5(k) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Amendments1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–283, § 312(e)(4)(C)(i), substituted “, (7) or (9)” for “or (7)” in introductory provisions. See Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283 note below. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–283, § 312(e)(4)(C)(ii), substituted “applicant for employment, or employee of the Architect of the Capitol, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurants” for “or applicant for employment”, and inserted “or under section 312(e)(2) of the Architect of the Capitol Human Resources Act” after “of this title”. See Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283 note below. 1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–426, § 103(a), (b)(1), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and substituted “Federal Circuit” for “District of Columbia Circuit or by the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the petitioner resides”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–426, § 103(b)(2), added subsec. (b). 1984—Pub. L. 98–216 substituted “A final decision under section 753(a)(1)–(3), (6), or (7) of this title may be reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or by the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the petitioner resides” for “A person may apply for review of a final decision under section 753(a)(1)–(3), (6), or (7) of this title by filing a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or with the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the person resides” in provisions preceding par. (1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentPub. L. 100–426, title I, § 103(c), Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1599, provided that: “Nothing in any of the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to an appeal pending on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 9, 1988].”
Application of Provisions Amended by Pub. L. 103–283Provisions of this section amended by section 312(e) of Pub. L. 103–283 to be applied and administered as if section 312(e) and the amendments made by section 312(e) had not been enacted, see section 504(c)(2) of Pub. L. 104–1, set out as a note under section 751 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 771 - Definitions
## Text
In this subchapter—
(1) “dependent child” means an unmarried dependent child (including a stepchild or adopted child) who is—
(A) under 18 years of age;
(B) incapable of self-support because of physical or mental disability; or
(C) between 18 and 22 years of age and is a student regularly pursuing a full-time course of study or training in residence in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution. For the purposes of this subchapter, a child whose 22nd birthday occurs before July 1 or after August 31 of a calendar year, and while such child is regularly pursuing such a course of study or training, is deemed to have become 22 years of age on the first day of July after that birthday. A child who is a student is deemed not to have ceased to be a student during an interim period between school years if the interim period is not more than 5 months and if such child shows to the satisfaction of the General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office that such child has a bona fide intention of continuing in the same or a different school during the school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately after the interim period.
(2) “surviving spouse” means a surviving spouse of an individual who was a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General and the spouse—
(A) was married to the individual for at least 1 year immediately before the individual died; or
(B) has not remarried before age 55 and is the parent of issue by the marriage.
(3) service as a Comptroller General equals the number of years and complete months an individual is Comptroller General.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 202, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1600; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 771(1), (2)31:43b(g).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(g), (p); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 198, 200. 771(3)31:43b(p). In this subchapter, the words “surviving spouse”, “spouse”, “surviving spouse’s”, and “parent” are substituted for “widow”, “wife”, “surviving widow’s”, and “mother”, respectively, because of 5:7202(c). In clause (3), the words “or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as executed because a retired Comptroller General could elect survivor benefits and include retirement service only if the Comptroller General had retired by July 13, 1959. The word “total” is omitted as surplus. The words “complete months” are substituted for “twelfth parts thereof, excluding from the aggregate the fractional part of a month, if any” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “an individual is Comptroller General” are added for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Par. (1)(C). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1988—Par. (1)(C). Pub. L. 100–426, § 202(a), added subpar. (C). Par. (2)(A). Pub. L. 100–426, § 202(b)(1), substituted “1 year” for “2 years”. Par. (2)(B). Pub. L. 100–426, § 202(b)(2), inserted “before age 55” after “remarried”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 772 - Annuity of the Comptroller General
## Text
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a Comptroller General serving a complete term as Comptroller General or who retires under section 703(e)(1) of this title is entitled to receive an annuity for life equal to the pay the Comptroller General is receiving on completion of the term or at the time of retirement. An annuity of a Comptroller General who completes a term before becoming 65 years of age is reduced by .25 percent for each complete month the Comptroller General is under 65 years of age.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a Comptroller General becoming permanently disabled shall be retired and is entitled to receive an annuity for life equal to—
(1) the pay of the Comptroller General at the time of retirement if the Comptroller General served at least 10 years; or
(2) 50 percent of the pay if the Comptroller General served less than 10 years.
(c) A Comptroller General who, when appointed, is or has been subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 remains subject to such subchapter III or such chapter 84 (as the case may be) unless the Comptroller General elects in writing to receive an annuity under this section. An election is irrevocable and must be made within 10 years and 60 days after the start of service as Comptroller General. A Comptroller General electing to receive an annuity under this section is entitled to a refund of the lump-sum credit to the account of the Comptroller General in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
(d) A Comptroller General (except a Comptroller General remaining subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5) shall—
(1) deposit with the Government Accountability Office for redeposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts as a contribution to the annuity—
(A) 3.5 percent of the pay received as Comptroller General before deductions are made under clause (2)(A) of this subsection plus 3 percent interest compounded every December 31 on the amount to be deposited, if electing survivor benefits under this subchapter; or
(B) 8 percent of the pay received as Comptroller General before deductions are made under clause (2)(B) of this subsection plus 3 percent interest compounded every December 31 on the amount to be deposited, if not electing survivor benefits under this subchapter; and
(2) have—
(A) 3.5 percent of the pay received as Comptroller General deducted as a contribution to the annuity if electing survivor benefits under this subchapter; or
(B) 8 percent of the pay received as Comptroller General deducted as a contribution to the annuity if not electing survivor benefits under this subchapter.
(e) A Comptroller General receiving benefits under this section may not receive retirement or disability benefits under another law of the United States.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 203, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1600; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 772(a)31:43(2d par. 1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 303(2d par. 1st, 2d, last sentences); added July 28, 1953, ch. 256, 67 Stat. 229. 772(b)31:43(2d par. 2d sentence). 772(c)31:43(3d par. 1st, 2d sentences, 3d sentence words before comma).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 303(3d par. 1st–3d sentences); added July 26, 1966, Pub. L. 89–520, § 1, 80 Stat. 329; Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 4(b)(1), 92 Stat. 1800. 772(d)31:43(2d par. 4th sentence, 3d par. last sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 303(2d par. 4th sentence, 3d par. last sentence); added Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 4(a), (b)(2), 92 Stat. 1800. 772(e)31:43(2d par. last sentence, 3d par. 3d sentence words after comma). In subsections (a) and (b), the words “Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section” are added for clarity. The words “is entitled to receive” are substituted for “shall receive” as being more precise and for consistency with title 5. In subsection (a), the words “under section 703(e)(1) of this title” are added for clarity. The words “in his office” are omitted as surplus. The words “before becoming 65 years of age” are added for clarity. The words “at such completion” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “from performing his duties” are omitted as surplus. In subsections (c) and (d), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “person appointed to the Office of Comptroller General” and “person who is appointed to the Office of Comptroller General” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (c), the words “Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph of this section” are omitted as surplus. The words “after January 1, 1966” are omitted as executed. The words “receive an annuity under this section” are substituted for “and no deduction from his salary shall be made under the preceding paragraph . . . be subject to the provisions of the preceding paragraph of this section” for clarity and because of the restatement. In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words “after October 25, 1978” are omitted as executed. The words “(except a Comptroller General remaining subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5)” are added for clarity. In clauses (1) and (2), the word “pay” is substituted for “salary” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “a sum equal to” are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), before subclause (A), the words “makes such an election under this paragraph” are omitted as surplus. The word “redeposit” is substituted for “covering” for clarity. The words “the general fund of” and “authorized under the preceding paragraph” are omitted as surplus. In subclauses (A) and (B), the words “before deductions are made under clause (2)(A) of this subsection” and “before deductions are made under clause (2)(B) of this subsection” are substituted for “prior to the date current deductions begin from his salary” for clarity. The words “per annum” are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words “authorized by this paragraph” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e), the words “Comptroller General” are substituted for “person” for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in introductory provisions. 1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–426, § 203(1), substituted “retires under section 703(e)(1) of this title” for “is retired for age under section 703(e)(1) of this title after serving at least 10 years”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–426, § 203(2), substituted “subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 remains subject to such subchapter III or such chapter 84 (as the case may be)” for “subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 remains subject to subchapter III”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentPub. L. 100–426, title II, § 208, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1601, provided that: “The amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 703, 771, 773, 774, 776, and 777 of this title] shall be effective after the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 9, 1988], except that an individual who, as of such date of enactment, is receiving an annuity under subchapter V of chapter 7 of title 31, United States Code, as a retired Comptroller General (and the spouse and any dependent children of such individual who may survive such individual) shall remain subject to the provisions of such subchapter, as in effect immediately before such date, if the retired Comptroller General makes an election under this section. An election under this section shall be ineffective unless it is made in writing and received by the General Counsel of the General Accounting Office [now Government Accountability Office] before the end of the 60-day period referred to in the preceding sentence.”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 773 - Election of survivor benefits
## Text
(a) To provide survivor benefits, a Comptroller General may elect in writing to reduce the pay and annuity of the Comptroller General. An election shall be made within 6 months of taking office or, if an election is made under section 772(c) of this title, by the 60th day after making an election under section 772(c).
(b) A Comptroller General electing to provide survivor benefits shall—
(1) have 4.5 percent of the pay received as Comptroller General and 5 percent of the annuity of the Comptroller General deducted; and
(2) deposit with the Government Accountability Office for redeposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts—
(A) 4.5 percent of the pay and annuity received as Comptroller General before the deductions begin;
(B) 4.5 percent of basic pay received as a member of Congress or for other civilian service on which a surviving spouse’s annuity is computed under section 774(d) of this title; and
(C) 4 percent interest before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent interest after December 31, 1947, compounded every December 31, on amounts deposited.
(c) This subchapter does not prevent a surviving spouse or dependent child from receiving another annuity while receiving an annuity under section 774 of this title. However, service used in computing an annuity under section 774 may not be used in computing the other annuity.
(d) The reduction in the Comptroller General’s annuity under subsection (b)(1) for the purpose of providing survivor benefits shall be terminated for each full month after the death of the spouse.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 903; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 204, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1600; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 773(a)31:43b(a).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(a); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 197; July 26, 1966, Pub. L. 89–520, § 2, 80 Stat. 329. 773(b)31:43b(b), (c).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(b), (c); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 197; Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 2(1), 92 Stat. 1799. 773(c)31:43b(q).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(q); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 200. In subsections (a) and (b), the word “pay” is substituted for “salary”, and the word “annuity” is substituted for “retirement pay”, for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In subsection (a), the words “To provide” are substituted for “for purposes of” for clarity. The words “or in the case of the Comptroller General currently in office and any retired Comptroller General, within six months after July 13, 1959” are omitted as executed. The words “as hereinafter provided” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “of the United States” are omitted as surplus. The words “or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as executed. The word “provide” is substituted for “receive” for clarity and consistency. In clause (2), before subclause (A), the word “redeposit” is substituted for “covering” for clarity. The words “the general fund of” and “a sum equal to” are omitted as surplus. In subclause (A), the words “the date current . . . from his salary and retirement pay” and 31:43b(c)(last sentence) are omitted as surplus. In subclause (B), the words “salary . . . or compensation for service” are omitted as surplus. The words “member of Congress” are substituted for “Senator, Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner in the Congress of the United States” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (c), the words “be construed to” and “eligible therefore” are omitted as surplus. The words “receiving another annuity while” are substituted for “simultaneously . . . and any annuity . . . to which she would otherwise be entitled under any other law” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “(including old age and survivor benefits)” and “without regard to this section” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in introductory provisions. 1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–426, § 204(1), inserted “5 percent of the” before “annuity”. Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 100–426, § 204(2), substituted “3 percent” for “4.5 percent”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–426, § 204(3), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 774 - Survivor annuities
## Text
(a) In this section—
(1) “allowable military service” means honorable active service of not more than 5 years in an armed force (including service in the National Guard when ordered to active duty for the United States Government), when the service is not creditable in computing another annuity.
(2) “other prior allowable service” means civilian service as an officer or employee of the Government or District of Columbia government not covered by subsection (d)(1) of this section.
(3) “congressional employee” has the same meaning given that term in section 2107 of title 5.
(b) A survivor annuity shall be paid under this subchapter when a Comptroller General—
(1) makes an election under section 773 of this title;
(2) dies in office or while receiving an annuity under section 772 of this title;
(3) had at least 18 months of civilian service at death computed under subsections (a) and (d) of this section; and
(4) had deductions or deposits under section 773 of this title made for the last 18 months of civilian service.
(c) If the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General is survived—
(1) only by a spouse, the surviving spouse shall receive an annuity computed under subsection (d) of this section beginning on the death of the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General or when the spouse is 50 years of age, whichever is later;
(2) by a spouse and a dependent child, the surviving spouse shall receive an immediate annuity computed under subsection (d) of this section and each dependent child shall receive an immediate annuity equal to the smaller of—
(A) 10 percent of the average annual pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of this section; or
(B) 20 percent of the average annual pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of this section, divided by the number of dependent children; or
(3) only by a dependent child, each dependent child shall receive an immediate annuity equal to the smaller of—
(A) the annuity a surviving spouse would be entitled to receive under clause (2) of this subsection, divided by the number of dependent children;
(B) 20 percent of the average annual pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of this section; or
(C) 40 percent of the average annual pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of this section, divided by the number of dependent children.
(d) The annuity of a surviving spouse is equal to—
(1) 1.5 percent of the average annual pay (based on the 3 years of highest pay received as Comptroller General and other prior allowable service) times—
(A) the number of years of—
(i) service as Comptroller General or a member of Congress; and
(ii) prior allowable military service; and
(B) not more than 15 years of prior allowable service as a congressional employee; plus
(2) .75 percent of the average pay computed under clause (1) of this subsection times the number of years of other allowable service.
(e) A surviving spouse’s annuity may not be more than 50 percent nor less than 25 percent of the average annual pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of this section. If a Comptroller General does not make the deposit under section 773(b) of this title, a surviving spouse’s annuity shall be credited with the service during which a deposit was not made, unless the spouse elects not to have the service credited. However, the annuity shall be reduced by 10 percent of the amount of the unpaid deposit, computed on the date the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General dies.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 904; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 205, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1600.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 774(a)31:43b(o).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(d), (o); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 197, 200. 774(b), (c)31:43b(e).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(e), (n); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 197, 200; Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 2(2)–(4), 92 Stat. 1799. 774(d)31:43b(n)(less words after last comma). 774(e)31:43b(d). 31:43b(n)(words after last comma). In subsection (a)(1), the words “in an armed force” are substituted for “in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard” for consistency with title 10. The word “only” is omitted as surplus. The word “Government” is added for consistency. The word “computing” is added for clarity. The word “annuity” is substituted for “retirement or retired pay” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “under any other provision of law” are omitted as surplus. Subsection (a)(3) is substituted for 31:43b(o)(1st sentence) for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “A survivor annuity shall be paid under this subchapter when” are added for clarity. The words “or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as executed. In clause (1), the words “made an election under section 733 of this title” are substituted for “has elected to bring himself within the purview of this section” for clarity. In clause (2), the word “annuity” is substituted for “retirement pay” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In clause (4), the words “salary” and “actually” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(1), the words “only by a spouse” are substituted for “by a widow but not by a dependent child” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (c)(2), before subclause (A), the words “or children” and “in an amount” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(3), before subclause (A), the words “only by a dependent child” are substituted for “no surviving widow but leaves a surviving dependent child or children” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subclause (A), the words “the amount of” are omitted as surplus. The words “a surviving spouse” are substituted for “such widow . . . had she survived” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words “of a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General who has elected to bring himself within the purview of this section” are omitted as surplus. In clauses (1) and (2), the word “pay” is substituted for “salary” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In clause (1), before subclause (A), the words “by him for service . . . service in which his” are omitted as surplus. In subclause (A)(i), the words “member of Congress” are substituted for “Senator, Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner in the Congress of the United States” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “his years of service as” and “of the United States” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e), the words “and shall be further reduced in accordance with subsection (d) of this section if applicable” are omitted because of the restatement. The words “or a retired Comptroller General” are omitted as executed. The words “during which a deposit was not made” are substituted for “rendered” for clarity. The word “unpaid” is added for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments1988—Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 100–426, § 205(1), substituted “18 months” for “5 years”. Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 100–426, § 205(2), amended pars. (2) and (3) generally. Prior to amendment, pars. (2) and (3) read as follows: “(2) by a spouse and a dependent child, the surviving spouse shall receive an immediate annuity under subsection (d) of this section and each dependent child shall receive an immediate annuity equal to the smaller of— “(A) $1,548; or “(B) $4,644 divided by the number of dependent children; or “(3) only by a dependent child, each dependent child shall receive an immediate annuity equal to the smaller of— “(A) the annuity a surviving spouse would be entitled to receive under clause (2) of this subsection divided by the number of dependent children; “(B) $1,860; or “(C) $5,580 divided by the number of dependent children.” Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–426, § 205(3), substituted “1.5 percent” for “1.25 percent” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–426, § 205(4), substituted “more than 50 percent nor less than 25 percent” for “more than 40 percent”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
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---
type: "LegalText"
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tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 31 U.S.C. § 775 - Refunds
## Text
(a) A Comptroller General separated from office before becoming entitled to receive an annuity under section 772 of this title is entitled to a lump-sum refund of the amount deducted from pay or deposited as a contribution under section 772, plus 3 percent interest on the amount compounded every December 31.
(b) A Comptroller General making an election under section 773 of this title who is separated from office before becoming entitled to an annuity under section 772 of this title is entitled to a lump-sum refund of the amount deducted under section 773 of this title, plus 4 percent interest before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent interest after December 31, 1947, compounded every December 31 until the separation date.
(c) A lump-sum refund of the amounts deducted under sections 772 and 773 of this title, plus interest of 4 percent before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent after December 31, 1947, compounded every December 31 until the date of death, shall be paid under subsection (d) of this section if—
(1) a Comptroller General dies in office before completing 5 years of civilian service under section 774 of this title or after completing 5 years of civilian service but without a survivor entitled to an annuity under section 774(b) and (c) of this title; or
(2) if a retired Comptroller General dies without a survivor entitled to an annuity under section 774(b) and (c) of this title.
(d) If a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General dies before a refund is made under this section, the refund shall be paid in the following order of precedence:
(1) to a beneficiary the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General designated in writing if the designation was received by the Government Accountability Office before the death of the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General.
(2) to a surviving spouse.
(3) to the children and to a descendant of a deceased child by representation.
(4) to the parents equally or, if only one surviving parent, to that survivor.
(5) to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General.
(6) to the next of kin that the General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office decides is entitled to the refund under the laws of the domicile of the Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General at the time of death.
(e) The General Counsel is not subject to section 771(1) and (2) of this title when making a decision about a surviving spouse or child under subsection (c) or (d) of this section.
(f) If the annuities of all individuals entitled to survivor annuities under this subchapter end before the amount of annuities paid equals the amount deducted under sections 772 and 773 of this title, plus interest of 4 percent before January 1, 1948, and 3 percent after December 31, 1947, compounded every December 31 until the date of death, the remainder shall be paid under subsection (d) of this section.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 905; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 775(a)31:43(last par. 1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 303(last par.); added Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 4(c), 92 Stat. 1801. 775(b)31:43b(i).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(i), (j)(less last 13 words before colon), (k); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 198. 775(c)–(e)31:43(last par. last sentence). 31:43b(j)(less last 13 words before colon). 775(f)31:43b(k). In subsections (a) and (b), the word “total” is omitted as surplus. In subsection (a), the word “pay” is substituted for “salary” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words “by him” and “to his annuity” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “who has elected to bring himself within the purview of” are omitted as surplus. The word “annuity” is substituted for “retirement pay” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code. In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words “A lump-sum refund of the amounts deducted under sections 772 and 773 of this title” are substituted for “total amount deducted from his salary and retirement pay” for clarity. The words “under subsection (d) of this section” are added because of the restatement. The words “to the person or persons surviving at the date title to payment arises” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (d), the words before clause (1) are included for clarity. In clauses (2)–(4) and (6), the words “of such Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. In clause (5), the words “duly appointed” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (e), the words “of a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. The words “is not subject to” are substituted for “shall be made . . . without regard to the definitions of these terms in” to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (f), the word “individuals” is substituted for “persons” for consistency. The word “aggregate” is omitted as surplus. The words “under sections 772 and 773 of this title” are substituted for “total . . . from the salary and retirement pay of a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General” for clarity and consistency. The word “under” is substituted for “in the order of precedence prescribed in” to eliminate unnecessary words.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (d)(1), (6). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
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---
# 31 U.S.C. § 776 - Payment of survivor benefits
## Text
(a) An annuity under section 774 of this title accrues monthly and is paid monthly on the first business day of the month after the month in which an annuity accrues.
(b) (1) A surviving spouse’s annuity ends when the spouse remarries before age 55 or dies.
(2) A dependent child’s annuity ends when the child becomes 18 years of age (unless the child is then a student as described in section 771(1)(C) of this title), marries, or dies, whichever is earliest. However, if a child is not self-supporting because of a physical or mental disability, an annuity ends when the child recovers, marries, or dies.
(3) If a surviving spouse dies and a dependent child survives, the child’s annuity is recomputed under section 774(c)(3) of this title.
(4) When a dependent child’s annuity ends, the annuity of another dependent child is recomputed as if the child whose annuity has ended did not survive a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General.
(c) An accrued annuity unpaid when the annuity of a survivor ends—
(1) for a reason except death, shall be paid to the survivor; and
(2) when a survivor dies, shall be paid in the following order of precedence:
(A) to the executor or administrator of the estate of the individual.
(B) if there is no executor or administrator, then after 30 days after the date of death, to an individual the General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office decides is legally entitled to the payment.
(d) (1) A payment under subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section or section 775(d) of this title is a bar to recovery by another individual.
(2) A benefit under this section and sections 773–775 of this title is not assignable or subject to legal process.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 906; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 206, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1601; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 776(a)31:43b(m)(1st sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(f), (j)(last 13 words before colon), (l), (m); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 198, 199. 776(b)31:43b(f). 776(c)31:43b(l)(words before last comma). 776(d)(1)31:43b(j)(last 13 words before colon). 31:43b(l)(words after last comma). 776(d)(2)31:43b(m)(last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “due and” and “or other period” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(2), the word “dependent” is added for clarity. In subsections (b)(3) and (c), the words “of a Comptroller General or retired Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (b)(3) and (4), the words “and paid” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(2)(A), the words “duly appointed” are omitted as surplus. The word “individual” is substituted for “person” for consistency. In subsection (c)(2)(B), the words “payment may be made” and “the expiration of . . . from” are omitted as surplus. The words “to the payment” are substituted for “thereto” for clarity. In subsection (d)(2), the words “A benefit” are substituted for “None of the moneys mentioned” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “either in law or equity” and “execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”. 1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–426, § 206(1), inserted “before age 55” after “remarries”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–426, § 206(2), inserted “(unless the child is then a student as described in section 771(1)(C) of this title)” after “age”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
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---
# 31 U.S.C. § 777 - Annuity increases
## Text
(a) An annuity payable under this subchapter shall be increased at the same time that, and by the same percent as the percentage by which, annuities are increased under section 8340(b) of title 5.
(b) An annuity under section 772 of this title may not be more than the basic pay of the Comptroller General. A surviving spouse’s annuity may be increased under this section without regard to any limitation set forth in section 774(e) of this title.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 906; Pub. L. 100–426, title II, § 207, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1601.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 777(a)31:43c(a)(words before colon), (1).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 320; added Oct. 25, 1978, Pub. L. 95–512, § 3, 92 Stat. 1799. 777(b)31:43c(a)(2). 777(c)31:43c(a)(3), (b). In subsection (a), before clause (1), the text of 31:43c(a)(words before colon) is omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “in any year” and “commencing” are omitted as surplus. In subsection (c)(1), the words “per centum” and “by the Comptroller General” are omitted as surplus. The words “Civil Service Commission” (subsequently changed to “Office of Personnel Management” because of section 101 of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978 (eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 92 Stat. 3783)) are omitted because of the restatement of section 8340(b) of title 5 by section 1702(a) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. In subsection (c)(2), the words “by reason of the application of subsection (a) of this section” and “annual” are omitted as surplus. The words “basic pay” are substituted for “compensation” for consistency with other titles of the United States Code.
Editorial Notes
Amendments1988—Pub. L. 100–426 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “(a) The Comptroller General shall compute— “(1) on January 1 of each year, or within a reasonable time after January 1, the percent change in the Consumer Price Index between June and December of the prior year; and “(2) on July 1 of each year, or within a reasonable time after July 1, the percent change in the Index between June of the same year and December of the prior year. “(b) If a percent change computed under subsection (a)(1) of this section indicates a rise in the Index, an annuity payable under this subchapter and beginning before March 2 shall increase on March 1 by the percent change computed under subsection (a)(1), adjusted to the nearest .1 percent. If a percent change computed under subsection (a)(2) of this section indicates a rise in the Index, an annuity payable under this subchapter and beginning before September 2 shall increase on September 1 by the percent change computed under subsection (a)(2), adjusted to the nearest .1 percent. “(c)(1) An increase under this section may not be more than an increase prescribed under section 8340(b) of title 5. “(2) An annuity under section 772 of this title may not be more than the basic pay of the Comptroller General.”
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–426 effective after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 9, 1988, with certain exceptions, see section 208 of Pub. L. 100–426, set out as a note under section 772 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 778 - Dependency and disability decisions
## Text
The General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office shall decide a question of dependency, disability, or dependency and disability under sections 773–776 of this title. A decision under this section is final.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 77831:43b(h).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(h); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 198. The words “arising” and “and conclusive” are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 779 - Use of appropriations
## Text
Annuities and refunds under this subchapter shall be paid by the Comptroller General from appropriations of the Government Accountability Office.
(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
## Notes
Historical and Revision Notes Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 77931:43(2d par. 3d sentence).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 303(2d par. 3d sentence); added July 28, 1953, ch. 256, 67 Stat. 229. 31:43b(r).June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 42 Stat. 20, § 319(r); added July 13, 1959, Pub. L. 86–87, 73 Stat. 200. The words “of deposits” in 31:43b(r) are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2004—Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 781 - Authority over the General Accounting Office Building
## Text
(a) The Comptroller General shall have exclusive custody and control over the building located at 441 G Street, N.W., in the District of Columbia, that is generally known as the General Accounting Office Building,11 See Change of Name note below. including operation, maintenance, protection, alteration, repair, and assignment of space therein. Such custody and control shall also extend to any machinery, equipment, spare parts and tools located in and usable for the operation and maintenance of the General Accounting Office Building.1 For the purposes of securing approval of any prospectus detailing proposed alterations of the General Accounting Office Building,1 as required by section 3307 of title 40, the Comptroller General shall perform the functions assigned to the Administrator of General Services by that section.
(b) Upon request of the Comptroller General, the Administrator of General Services shall provide, to the extent resources are available, any necessary services for the protection of the property and persons in the General Accounting Office Building,1 including the provision of special police, responding to and investigating incidents, and the monitoring of the perimeter security system. Such services may be provided with or without reimbursement as the Comptroller General and the Administrator may agree.
(c) (1) The Comptroller General is authorized to enter into agreements or contracts to acquire property or services on such terms and conditions and in such a manner as he deems necessary and without regard to section 6101(b) to (d) of title 41; except that the Comptroller General may not acquire real property unless specifically authorized by law. In exercising the authority granted by this section, the Comptroller General shall obtain full and open competition in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984.
(2) To the extent that funds are otherwise available for obligation, agreements or contracts for utility services may be made for periods not exceeding 10 years.
(3) The Comptroller General may make advance, progress, and other payments which relate to agreements or contracts entered into under authority of this section, without regard to the provisions of section 3324(a) and (b) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 100–545, § 1, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2727; amended Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(h)(1), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1299; Pub. L. 111–350, § 5(h)(3), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3849.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is title VII of Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1175. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1984 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41, Public Contracts, and Tables.
Amendments2011—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 111–350 substituted “section 6101(b) to (d) of title 41” for “section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)”. 2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–217 substituted “section 3307 of title 40” for “section 7 of the Public Buildings Act of 1959, as amended (40 U.S.C. 606)”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
Source of Funds Used for Payment of Salaries and Expenses of Tiny Findings Child Development CenterPub. L. 116–136, div. B, title IX, § 19009, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 579, as amended by Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title XI, § 1101(b)(3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2157, provided that: “(a) Reimbursements.—During the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [Dec. 27, 2020] and ending on the termination date of the public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) resulting from the COVID–19 pandemic, the Government Accountability Office shall reimburse the Tiny Findings Child Development Center for expenses, due to measures taken in the Capitol complex to combat coronavirus, as calculated under subsection (b) and from amounts in the appropriations account ‘Government Accountability Office—Salaries and Expenses’. “(b) Amount.—The amount of the reimbursement under this section for each month of the period described in subsection (a) shall be equal to the difference between—“(1) the lesser of—“(A) the amount of the operating costs (including payroll, general, and administrative expenses) of the Center for such month; or “(B) $162,500; and “(2) the amount of tuition payments collected by the Center for such month.” [For definition of “coronavirus” as used in section 19009 of Pub. L. 116–136, set out above, see section 23005 of Pub. L. 116–136, set out as a note under section 162b of Title 2, The Congress.]
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# 31 U.S.C. § 782 - Leasing of space in the General Accounting Office Building
## Text
The Comptroller General is authorized to lease or otherwise provide space and services within the General Accounting Office Building 11 See Change of Name note below. to persons, both public and private, or to any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government upon such terms and conditions as the Comptroller General deems necessary to protect the public interest. The Comptroller General shall establish a rental rate for such leased space equivalent to the prevailing commercial rate for comparable space devoted to a similar purpose in the vicinity of the General Accounting Office Building.1 Additionally, the Comptroller General may make available, on occasion, or may lease at such rates and on such other terms and conditions as the Comptroller General deems to be in the public interest, auditoriums, meeting rooms, and lobbies of the General Accounting Office Building 1 to persons, firms, or organizations engaged in cultural, educational, or recreational activities (as defined in section 3306(a) of title 40). The Comptroller General will consult with the Administrator of General Services and will give priority to Federal agencies in filling available space within the General Accounting Office Building.1 Payments for space or services may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement and shall be deposited to a special account and shall be available for expenditure for operation, maintenance, protection, alteration, or repair of the General Accounting Office Building 1 in such amounts as are specified in annual appropriation Acts without regard to fiscal year limitations.
(Added Pub. L. 100–545, § 1, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2728; amended Pub. L. 103–272, § 4(f)(1)(D), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1362; Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(h)(2), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1299.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments2002—Pub. L. 107–217 substituted “(as defined in section 3306(a) of title 40)” for “(as defined in section 105 of the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 (40 U.S.C. 612a))”. 1994—Pub. L. 103–272 substituted “612a)).” for “612a).”
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
Payments of Reimbursements Incident to Operation of General Accounting Office BuildingPub. L. 101–520, title II, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2275, as amended by Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814, provided in part that “notwithstanding the provisions of section 782 of title 31, United States Code, hereinafter any payments of reimbursements received incident to the operation of the General Accounting Office Building shall be credited to the appropriation currently available to the Government Accountability Office and remain available until expended, and not more than $5,915,000 of such funds shall be available for use in fiscal year 1991”.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 783 - Rules and regulations
## Text
(a) The Comptroller General is authorized to make all needful rules and regulations for the Government of the General Accounting Office Building,11 See Change of Name note below. and to annex to such rules and regulations such reasonable penalties, within the limits prescribed in subsection (b), as will ensure their enforcement. Such rules and regulations shall be posted and kept posted in a conspicuous place on such Federal property.
(b) Whoever shall violate any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
(Added Pub. L. 100–545, § 1, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2728.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of this title.
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# 31 U.S.C. § 791 - Center for Audit Excellence
## Text
(a) Establishment.— The Comptroller General shall establish, maintain, and operate a center within the Government Accountability Office to be known as the “Center for Audit Excellence” (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Center”).
(b) Purpose and Activities.— (1) In general.— The Center shall build institutional auditing capacity and promote good governance by providing affordable, relevant, and high-quality training, technical assistance, and products and services to qualified personnel and entities of governments (including the Federal Government, State and local governments, tribal governments, and governments of foreign nations), international organizations, and other private organizations.
(2) Determination of qualified personnel and entities.— Personnel and entities shall be considered qualified for purposes of receiving training, technical assistance, and products or services from the Center under paragraph (1) in accordance with such criteria as the Comptroller General may establish and publish.
(c) Fees.— (1) Permitting charging of fees.— The Comptroller General may establish, charge, and collect fees (on a reimbursable or advance basis) for the training, technical assistance, and products and services provided by the Center under this subchapter.
(2) Deposit into separate account.— The Comptroller General shall deposit all fees collected under paragraph (1) into the Center for Audit Excellence Account established under section 792.
(d) Gifts of Property and Services.— The Comptroller General may accept and use conditional or non-conditional gifts of property (both real and personal) and services (including services of guest lecturers) to support the operation of the Center, except that the Comptroller General may not accept or use such a gift if the Comptroller General determines that the acceptance or use of the gift would compromise or appear to compromise the integrity of the Government Accountability Office.
(e) Sense of Congress Regarding Personnel.— It is the sense of Congress that the Center should be staffed primarily by personnel of the Government Accountability Office who are not otherwise engaged in carrying out other duties of the Office under this chapter, so as to ensure that the operation of the Center will not detract from or impact the oversight and audit work of the Office.
(Added Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1401(a)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2539.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Approval of Business PlanPub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1401(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2541, provided that: “The Comptroller General may not begin operating the Center for Audit Excellence under subchapter VII of chapter 7 of title 31, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)) until— “(1) the Comptroller General submits a business plan for the Center to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate; and “(2) each such Committee approves the plan.”
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# 31 U.S.C. § 792 - Account
## Text
(a) Establishment of Separate Account.— There is established in the Treasury as a separate account for the Government Accountability Office the “Center for Audit Excellence Account”, which shall consist of the fees deposited by the Comptroller General under section 791(c) and such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(b) Use of Account.— Amounts in the Center for Audit Excellence Account shall be available to the Comptroller General, in amounts specified in appropriations Acts and without fiscal year limitation, to carry out this subchapter.
(Added Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1401(a)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2540.)
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# 31 U.S.C. § 793 - Authorization of appropriations
## Text
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subchapter.
(Added Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1401(a)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2540.)