Book excerpt: In 2007 GAO reported on concerns with the independence and effectiveness of the Dept. of State Inspector General (State OIG). GAO was asked to provide testimony on the issues they raised and the status of recommendations made to the State OIG in that report. This testimony focuses on the importance of auditor and IG independence, GAO¿s prior concerns with the State OIG¿s independence and effectiveness, and the status of OIG actions to address GAO¿s recommendations. The testimony is primarily based on GAO¿s 2007 report conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, as well as the activities conducted to follow up on the status of GAO¿s previous recommendations. Table. This is a print on demand report.