GAO-07-251CG, Modernizing Accountability Organizations in Times of Fiscal Constraint, National Intergovernmental

National Intergovernmental Audit ForumModernizing Accountability Organizations in Times of Fiscal ConstraintThe Honorable David M. WalkerComptroller General of the United StatesDecember 1, 2006GAO-07-251CGThe Case for ChangeThe federal government is on a “burning platform,” and the status quo way of doing business is unacceptable for a variety of reasons, including:• Past fiscal trends and significant long-range challenges Rising public expectations for demonstrable results and enhanced responsiveness Selected trends and challenges having no boundaries Additional resource demands due to Iraq, Afghanistan, incremental homeland security needs, and recent natural disasters in the United States Numerous government performance/accountability and high risk challenges Outdated federal organizational structures, policies, and practices2GAO-07-251CGComposition of Federal Spending1966 19862006*20%28%32%29%34%43%21%14%9%20%7%15%19%10%1%Social Security Medicare & MedicaidDefenseAll other spendingNet interest*Preliminary.Source: Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the Treasury.Note: Numbers may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.3GAO-07-251CGHow Big is OurGrowing Fiscal Burden?Our total fiscal burden can be translated and compared as follows:Total fiscal exposures $49.9 trillion1Total household net worth $53.3 trillionBurden/Net worth ratio 94 percent2BurdenPer person $165,000Per full-time ...