IFPTE Local 1921 Weighs-In with Members on GAO Comptroller General Process
The GAO Employees Organization (IFPTE Local 1921) sent a message to their members regarding the nomination process for GAO’s Comptroller General. In the message, the union reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating that the next Comptroller General be appointed through a legal and legitimate process that has the bipartisan support of Congress. See the message below.
Colleagues and friends,
As you may have seen, the Washington Sun published an article about a potential nominee for Comptroller General. Based on our conversations with Hill staff, we understand that the formal process to select a new Comptroller General has not yet begun. Further, we strongly oppose any efforts to rush or circumvent the selection process as outlined in law. We expect the statutory process to be followed and remain in contact with key staff on the Hill, bipartisan civil society groups, allies in the labor movement, and IFPTE leadership to support that process. Ultimately, we will continue to advocate that the next Comptroller General be appointed through a legal and legitimate process that has the bipartisan support of Congress.
In our survey last year, GAO employees resoundingly stated that bipartisanship, fairness, and character are key to this role. Since beginning outreach to Hill staff and members of Congress on this issue in early 2025, we have and will continue to emphasize that the commission and the Senate as a whole should take their time to carefully consider whether potential nominees can rise to the requirements of this office.
What You Can Do
While the nomination and appointment process may feel opaque and inaccessible, our ultimate power comes from our solidarity with one another and the public we serve.
As always, our strength lies in our membership. Union membership shows GAO management, the Hill, and the public that GAO employees are united and committed to our mission. Union members ensure we maintain the financial resources necessary to engage on issues like this and provide legal resources to employees. GAO employees can help strengthen our Union by sharing our messaging and continuing to build relationships among employees. Encourage your colleagues to join the Union today and sign up for our Action Network emails if they have not done so already!
Importantly, our union exists because we all work together to improve our workplace, and we want your help! Our best information often comes from you. If you have strong personal relationships with Congressional staff, frequent requestors or users of GAO products, or organizations that rely on our work and care about GAO, the Legislative Committee would love to reach out and discuss the importance of GAO and a nonpartisan Comptroller General. Email communications@gaoemployees.org to contribute.
We will keep you updated on any developments and reach out on how you can take additional action, if warranted. We understand that this process may generate some uncertainty, but as today's article highlights, there continues to be strong bipartisan demand for our rigorous, independent work. Most importantly, standing with all of you, the union will continue our advocacy and steadfast support of GAO and its people.
In solidarity,
The Officers of the GAO Employees Organization