In the GAO report
investigators report that, “no government-wide law or policy exists that defines the federal government’s overall role in funding and supporting the Olympic Games when hosted in the United States. Nor is there a single federal agency that has the responsibility to oversee and monitor the federal funding and support provided for the Olympic Games.” However, reports the GAO, federal agencies have in the past and continue to fund various aspects of the Olympic Games in response to requests from state and local governments. According to the GAO, “ Federal assistance has been requested because these entities have not had enough resources to provide for the infrastructure improvements necessary to prepare the host city or to plan and stage all aspects of the Olympic Games when hosted in the United States.”
GAO’s Recommendations
In its report to Senators McCain and Dingell, the GAO concludes that while its roll in the Olympic Games is not specifically authorized by statute or policy, the federal government has become a major financial supporter of the Games when hosted by U.S. cities. According to the GAO, Congress should consider passing laws formalizing the government’s roll and level of support for the Olympic Games.