Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement regarding the release of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) 2019 High Risk Report, compiled at the start of each new Congress identifying areas in government vulnerable to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement:
“The 2019 High Risk List identifies critical government operations under Committee jurisdiction that remain vulnerable to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. It makes clear that substantial action needs to be taken to better manage climate change risks, toxic chemical risks, address the vast and growing costs of DOE’s environment liabilities associated with nuclear waste sites, and strengthen our country’s cybersecurity. It also highlights the need to protect public health through enhanced oversight of food safety, medical products, and the Indian Health Service.
“Addressing these problems head-on would provide significant and enduring public health benefits, improve government accountability, and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The Committee will continue to conduct vigorous oversight to ensure federal agencies are following through on GAO’s recommendations and making meaningful changes to address high-risk areas."
