GAO, like other fed. agencies, faces challenges in increasing diversity in its workforce, including top leadership. Because of congressional interest in the effectiveness of diversity offices and the under-representation of women and minorities in legislative branch agencies, Congress asked the GAO¿s Inspector General to: (1) determine whether GAO¿s diversity efforts are achieving better representation of women and minorities in top leadership; (2) evaluate the accuracy and completeness of GAO¿s FY 2007 complaint and discrimination data; and (3) assess the independence and reporting relationships of the head of GAO¿s Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.

Discuss the results of a review of GAO¿s diversity programs. Examines diversity at the top levels of 5 legislative branch agencies. Garcia¿s testimony addresses: (1) whether GAO¿s diversity programs and initiatives are achieving better representation of women and minorities in the agency¿s Senior Exec. Service (SES) and managerial ranks (GS-15), and their equivalents; (2) the accuracy and completeness of the FY 2007 complaint and discrimination data reported to Congress; and (3) the independent authority and reporting relationships of the Managing Director of GAO¿s Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness. Charts and tables.