The Government Accountability Office (GAO)—an ostensibly nonpartisan congressional watchdog—has come under fire in recent days from Republicans, who accuse it of showing bias and overstepping its bounds.
Established in 1921, the GAO does not possess veto power over Congress, but it has generally been respected as a rules-keeper and referee for both chambers.
The agency is supposed to audit the federal government for waste and inefficiency, and for obedience to the law.
Last Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., intentionally ignored the GAO’s guidance against using a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to undo a Biden administration EPA waiver that allowed California to institute its own emissions regulations on vehicles.
The Senate ended up voting 51-44 to undo California’s ability to institute its own emission regulations.
California, as a…
