Defense-Related Audits, 1937-1975 Interview with Hassell B Bell, J. Kenneth Fasick, James H. Hammond
Abstract
The General Accounting Office (GAO) was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. Since then, new legislation and modified policies have been adopted that enable GAO to meet the needs of the Congress as it comes to grips with increasingly complex governmental programs and activities. GAO operates a History Program within its Office of Policy to ensure that the basis for policy decisions and other important events are systematically recorded for posterity. The program should benefit the Congress, future Comptrollers General, other present and future GAO officials, GAO's in-house training efforts, and scholars of public administration. The primary source of historical data is the written record in official government files. A vital supplement contributing to a better understanding of past actions is the oral history component of the program. Key governmental officials who were in a position to make decisions and redirect GAO's efforts are being interviewed to record their observations and impressions. Modern techniques make it possible to record their statements on videotapes or audiotapes that can be distributed to a wider audience, supplemented by written transcripts. Hassell B. Bell, J. Kenneth Fasick, and James H. Hammond served GAO in various capacities and assumed key roles in expanding and intensifying efforts to audit the government's Defense-related activities. On June 9,1988, present and former GAO officials (see p. v) interviewed on videotape Messrs. Bell, Fasick. and Hammond at GAO headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss primarily these activities from 1937 to 1975. This document is a transcript of the videotape. Although a number of editorial changes have been made, GAO has tried to preserve the flavor of the spoken word.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- AD1174470
Entities
People
- Charles Arthur Bowsher
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office