The consolidated financial statements of the U.S. gov¿t. (CFS) is audited each year. Except for the 2008 and 2007 Statements of Social Insurance, the auditor has been unable to provide assurance on the reliability of the CFS due primarily to inadequate systems and lack of sufficient, reliable evidence to support certain material information in the CFS. Unless these weaknesses are adequately addressed, they will, among other things: (1) hamper the fed. gov¿t's. ability to reliably report a significant portion of its assets, liabilities, costs, and other related information; and (2) affect the fed. gov¿t's. ability to measure the full cost as well as the financial and nonfinancial performance of certain programs and activities. Charts and tables.

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

The Congress and the Pres. need to have reliable, useful and timely financial and performance info. to make sound decisions on the current and future direction of vital fed. gov¿t. programs and policies. There is no assurance on the reliability of the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. gov¿t. due primarily to certain material weaknesses in the fed. gov¿ts. internal control. Unless these weaknesses are adequately addressed, they will, among other things: (1) hamper the fed. gov¿ts. ability to reliably report a significant portion of its assets, liabilities, costs, and other related info.; and (2) affect the fed. gov¿ts. ability to reliably measure the full cost as well as the financial and non-financial performance of certain programs and activities. Includes recomm.

Here is the Government Accountability Office¿s (GAO) performance and accountability report for fiscal year 2008. In the spirit of the Government Performance and Results Act, this annual report informs the Congress and the American people about what GAO has achieved on their behalf. The financial information and the data measuring GAO's performance contained in this report are complete and reliable. Charts and tables.