Cyberattacks on federal systems and cyber critical infrastructure are evolving and becoming more sophisticated. In today’s testimony, we outlined 5 actions the government needs to take to strengthen U.S. cybersecurity. Read our full report (http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-440T…), and check out today’s other report on program controls over government purchase cards: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-276…

It’s Valentine’s Day, and while many gave their sweethearts chocolates and flowers today, some gave the gift of gold. But gold’s not just popular on Valentine’s Day—mine operators can submit plans for the right to extract gold and other minerals from federal lands all year round. Today’s WatchBlog explores hardrock mining: http://blog.gao.gov/…/mining-for-gold-and-other-minerals-on…

Although the U.S. food supply is generally safe, foodborne illness remains a public health problem. The safety of the food supply is governed by a system administered by 16 federal agencies, and food safety and government performance experts agree that we need a national strategy. Read our full report (http://gao.gov/products/GAO-17-74…), and check out today’s other report on Medicaid and personal care services: http://gao.gov/products/GAO-17-169…

This week on the WatchBlog we discussed human capital challenges at the Veterans’ Health Administration, the American Burying Beetle, DOD’s use of overseas contingency funds, and key considerations related to tax reform. Check it out: https://blog.gao.gov/

We issued 17 new reports this week on topics including fiscal sustainability at the U.S. Postal Service, federal disaster assistance, D.C. charter schools, and federal pandemic preparedness: http://www.gao.gov/browse/date/custom…

If a disease outbreak occurs in the U.S., DOD has developed plans to assist civil authorities—particularly Health and Human Services and Homeland Security. However, though HHS and DHS have response plans, they don’t explain how they will operate if DOD’s capabilities are limited by the outbreak. Read our recommendations (http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-150…), and check out today’s other report on bioforensics: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-177…

D.C. charter schools served about 45% of Washington, D.C.’s public school students in the 2015-16 school year. Although suspensions and expulsions at these schools have dropped in recent years, they are about double the national charter school rate. Read our recommendations (http://gao.gov/products/GAO-17-165…), and check out today’s other report on DOD financial management: http://gao.gov/products/GAO-17-85…

In August 2016, we published a report on academic freedom and U.S. universities in China. To ensure Chinese speakers can read it too, today we issued a Chinese-language summary of the report: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-757…

Although taxes pay for essential government operations and services, the tax code is complex and may be difficult for taxpayers to understand. And it hasn’t been overhauled in over 30 years. But before any major tax reform, there are a number of issues to consider. What should be taxed? Who should be taxed? And how much? In today’s WatchBlog, we lay out these and other essential questions about tax reform: http://blog.gao.gov/2017/02/09/a-tax-reform-state-of-mind

Since 1991, power morcellators have been used to cut tissue for removal during minimally invasive surgery. However, when used to treat uterine fibroids, these devices may spread a difficult-to-diagnose cancer. In 2014, the FDA recommended new labeling that warns against such uses. Read our full review, and check out today’s other 3 reports: http://gao.gov/browse/date/custom…

The Department of Defense requested $64.6 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) for 2017, funding military and humanitarian activities. Although OCO funds were initially focused on war-related costs in Iraq and Afghanistan, recent requests have also included activities elsewhere. Today’s WatchBlog and podcast discuss how these funds are being used: http://blog.gao.gov/…/overseas-contingency-operations-podca…

Since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has improved disaster services for people with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and children. However, we found that its regional administrators didn’t always consult with the FEMA office that promotes inclusiveness in disaster planning—potentially hampering disaster services. Read our recommendations, and check out today’s other 6 reports: http://www.gao.gov/browse/date/custom…

On this day in 1964, the Beatles hit our shores. But long before them, we had the American Burying Beetle. Read about the life and times of this endangered species—and what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is doing to help protect them: http://blog.gao.gov/2017/02/07/meet-the-beetles/

Medicaid made an estimated $36 billion in payment errors in 2016—underscoring the need for improved oversight. Federal administrators rely on state-reported data to inform oversight activities, but we found concerns with such data's completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. Check out our recommendation (http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-173…), and read today’s other report on foster care: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-129…