What GAO Found In April 2025, GAO identified 30 priority recommendations for the Department of Energy (DOE). Since then, DOE has implemented 5 of those recommendations by, among other things, directing NNSA Production Modernization programs to follow best practices for schedule development. In July 2026, GAO identified an additional priority recommendation, and removed the priority status from two recommendations, bringing the total number to 24. GAO is highlighting the following three areas that warrant timely and focused attention: Addressing nuclear modernization challenges, Addressing DOE environmental liabilities, and Managing energy security and programs. Addressing GAO's recommendations in these areas would enhance the DOE's efforts to modernize the nation's nuclear security enterprise and weapons in the U.S. stockpile, save billions of taxpayer dollars on the cleanup of sites contaminated with nuclear waste, and ensure the adequacy of the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help meet national energy security demands. Taking action to implement all of GAO's open priority recommendations would help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations across DOE. Why GAO Did This Study Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or make progress toward addressing a high risk or duplication issue, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations. For more information, contact Allison Bawden at BawdenA@gao.gov.

What GAO Found In May 2025, GAO identified eight priority recommendations for the Department of Education. Since then, Education has implemented one of those recommendations. In June 2026, GAO identified an additional three priority recommendations, bringing the total to 10. GAO is highlighting the following three areas that warrant timely and focused attention: Improving the federal student aid system, Protecting sensitive information, and Managing financial risks associated with charter school management organizations. Addressing GAO's recommendations in these areas would make it easier for students and families to apply for financial aid and ensure a more successful modernization of the student aid system. It would also more effectively implement privacy protections for students and better manage financial risks associated with charter school management organizations. Taking action to implement all of GAO's open priority recommendations would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations at Education. Why GAO Did This Study Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or make progress toward addressing a high risk or duplication issue, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations. For more information, contact: Cindy Brown Barnes at brownbarnesc@gao.gov.

What GAO Found To support Holocaust education in K–12 public schools, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum—the main federal provider of Holocaust education resources—provides professional development for teachers through its annual conference, fellowships, online videos, and webinars. The Museum offers educational materials, such as lesson plans and online lessons, based on its collection of artifacts. It also partners with state and local organizations and researches effective education strategies. Most states (43 of 51) have established academic standards that explicitly include Holocaust education or passed laws that explicitly require Holocaust education (see figure). The remaining eight states did not have such academic standards or laws, but they may have supported Holocaust education in other ways. Most state officials (30 of 48) who responded to GAO’s survey reported having methods to ensure students receive Holocaust education, such as getting feedback from teachers and schools. States Identified as Having Academic Standards or Laws Requiring K–12 Holocaust Education Note: For details regarding GAO’s analysis to identify states with academic standards or laws requiring K–12 Holocaust education, see figure 1 in GAO-26-108023. Why GAO Did This Study The Never Again Education Act authorized federal support for the U.S. Holocaust Museum to support Holocaust education through educational materials and professional development opportunities for teachers. Senate Report 118-84 includes a provision for GAO to examine Holocaust education in K–12 public schools. This report provides information on federal resources developed by the U.S. Holocaust Museum to support Holocaust education, state K–12 Holocaust education practices, and other topics. To answer these objectives, GAO conducted a survey of state educational agency officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia on providing K–12 Holocaust education. Officials from 48 states responded. GAO also reviewed publicly available state documents as of February 2026, including academic standards and budgets, and conducted an independent legal review of state laws explicitly requiring Holocaust education. Further, GAO sent a structured online questionnaire to a nongeneralizable sample of 2,063 public school teachers of sixth to 12th grade to learn about their experiences providing Holocaust education. GAO received responses from 111 teachers. GAO also interviewed officials from four selected state educational agencies, seven Holocaust organizations, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum. For more information, contact Jackie Nowicki at NowickiJ@gao.gov.