Every two years, GAO provides Congress with an update on its High-Risk Program, which highlights major problems that are at high risk for waste, fraud, abuse mismanagement or in need of broad reform. There are 30 areas on GAO's High-Risk list. Pages in this section discuss each of these high-risk areas, including information from GAO's February 2011 high-risk update as well as the results of work completed since then.
The 2011 high-risk update included one new issue area, Management of Federal Oil and Gas Resources. Two issues were removed from the list: 2010 Census and DOD’s Personnel Security Clearance Program.
In addition to the high-risk issues, GAO is also calling attention to three other major government challenges that are of great national and international concern.
GAO's recommendations to address these high-risk areas and major challenges could lead to billions of dollars in savings for the federal government, dramatically improve service to the public, and strengthen confidence in the performance and accountability of the U.S. government at home and abroad.
 "High Risk List 2011: Sen. Lieberman Speaks at Press Conference")
 "High Risk List 2011: Sen. Collins Speaks at Press Conference")
 "High Risk List 2011: Rep. Issa Speaks at Press Conference")
 "High Risk List 2011: Rep. Cummings Speaks at Press Conference")
 "Sen. Akaka Speaks at Press Conference")
 "High Risk List 2011: Sen. Johnson Speaks at Press Conference")
 "Comptroller General Dodaro Speaks at Press Conference")