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Agriculture and Food Agricultural industry, markets, and food production (e.g., farm animals and crops). Food-related issues such as safety, nutrition, and domestic and international assistance.

Auditing and Financial Management Auditing how-to, including methodologies, tools, techniques, and standards. Financial, forensic, and programmatic audits of federal agencies and the U.S. government.

Budget and Spending The federal budget, budget projections, and agency budget systems. Government appropriations; federal, state, and local finance.

Business Regulation and Consumer Protection Domestic and international business, small business programs, federal regulations. Consumer protection, (e.g., identity theft, insurance, regulation, and credit markets).

Economic Development Domestic and international development initiatives, including loans and grants. Construction and disaster relief.

Education Educational programs ranging from preschool to adult/continuing education, including educational facilities, standards, and funding. Student loans and grants.

Employment Labor statistics and trends, employment demographics. Workforce development, benefits and compensation, worker safety and protection, and unemployment assistance.

Energy The energy industry and the government agencies that regulate it. Nuclear waste, oil and gas resources, alternative fuels, emissions, and other energy-related topics.

Equal Opportunity Civil rights and equal protection under the law in matters of age, color, disability, etc. Representation and discrimination in the workplace.

Financial Markets and Institutions Credit and lending; stocks, bonds, and other securities. Consumer financial protection and financial regulatory agencies.

GAO Mission and Operations The history and mission of GAO and its programs and services. GAO publications and guidance, including GAO’s policies, protocols, and practices.

Government Operations Federal government organization, management, and regulation, plus intergovernmental issues. Census and elections, as well as government efficiency and effectiveness.

Health Care Health care services, facilities, personnel, costs, insurance, and reform. Federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the military and veterans’ health systems.

Homeland Security National security policy and practice (e.g., transportation security, immigration, emergency response). Preventing terrorism and preparing for weapons of mass destruction.

Housing Housing finance, such as mortgages, insurance, and related regulations. Federally-assisted housing, housing types (e.g., rental, public, or low-income), and homelessness.

Human Capital Diversity and EEO; employment demographics. Federal and private pay and benefits; performance management; employee development and retention; workforce issues.

Information Management Data collection, document disposal, records management. Laws regulating access to information, such as the Freedom of Information Act and the DATA Act.

Information Security Cybersecurity, privacy, IT systems, and federal laws and policies on collecting, storing, sharing, and using sensitive, classified, or personally identifiable information.

Information Technology Federal information technology (IT) policy, laws, investment, and strategy. Acquisition, enterprise architecture, integration, and security of civilian and military systems.

International Affairs Government interests in international politics, law, finance, economics, trade, commerce, and immigration. International treaties, foreign aid, investments, and diplomacy.

Justice and Law Enforcement The justice system, including courts, crime, corrections, immigration, lawsuits, trials, judges, and attorneys. Law enforcement agencies and officers.

National Defense Military readiness, including people and infrastructure; weapons, defense, space systems, and technology. DOD internal operations and budget; the military health system.

Natural Resources and Environment Environmental protection, cleanup, and the associated policies, laws, and agencies. Natural resources such as land, water, minerals, wildlife, and energy resources.

Retirement Security Federal, state, local, military, and veterans retirement systems. Private retirement plans, savings rates, and Social Security.

Space Space-related research and development, space exploration, transportation, and support personnel and facilities. Defense and communications satellites.

Tax Policy and Administration Tax administration, enforcement, laws, policies, and reform. The IRS and other agencies involved in tax issues.

Telecommunications Internet and data services and privacy, broadband access, public safety communications, communication security, television and radio, and voice services.

Transportation Modes of travel, transportation laws and policies, transportation safety and security. Transit systems, pipelines, and freight and shipping.

Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs and its work in employment and training, education, benefits, home loans, insurance, and health care for veterans and retired military.

Worker and Family Assistance Social welfare programs and services focusing on economic assistance, faith-based and community initiatives, child and family issues, nutrition and unemployment assistance.