GAO Prepares for Education Department Audit

By Erik W. Robelen

Congress' investigative arm has begun planning for an audit of the Department of Education's financial practices, even as new accusations concerning embezzlement of department money came to light last week.

The General Accounting Office recently was asked to audit selected Education Department accounts that the GAO deems particularly susceptible to waste, fraud, and abuse.

To further highlight Congress' concerns, lawmakers have also taken the unusual step of pursuing legislation that would mandate the audit. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee unanimously approved an audit bill on Sept. 20 that had passed the House 380-19 in June. At press time, the bill was not scheduled for a floor...