Interest groups push to remove presidential role in GAO chief selection

A diverse group of more than twelve organizations, from Americans for Prosperity to Public Citizen, has urged lawmakers to change the appointment process for the Government Accountability Office’s comptroller general. In a letter coordinated by the nonprofit American Governance Institute, they argue that, as a legislative agency, the GAO’s head should be selected by Congress rather than the president. The request comes as the GAO’s former comptroller general, Gene L. Dodaro, left office on Dec. 29, and no legislative commission has yet been formed to recommend candidates.

Acting head Orice Williams Brown is currently overseeing the agency. The letter also points to a 2025 proposal by Rep. Ed Case that would grant Congress sole authority over appointments for the comptroller general, the librarian of Congress, and the director of the Government Publishing Office. Historically, the confirmation process has been low-priority, and the groups see this moment as “auspicious” for reform.