Following Spanberger Pressure, U.S. Government Accountability Office Agrees to Comprehensive Review of New Thrift Savings Plan Online System

Two Weeks After the Congresswoman Urged the GAO to Investigate Issues with the New System, the Agency Agreed to Conduct a Full Review of the Reported Problems

HENRICO, V.A. — Two weeks after U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger led a multi-Member effort pressing the U.S. Government Accountability Office to look into reported functional issues with the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) online system, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of the new system. Spanberger led the charge alongside U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL).

Spanberger sent the letter after hearing directly from current and retired federal employees in Virginia who are experiencing problems with the new system — including account access, account balances, missing or incomplete information in their accounts, and hours-long customer service wait times. In a response letter, the GAO stated that it will examine the planning, contract award, and implementation of the new system, as well as oversight by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. The review is expected to begin in November.

“All Virginians — and Americans across the country — who have devoted their careers to public service deserve straightforward access to their retirement accounts,” said Spanberger. “Since the new TSP system launched, my team and I have heard from many of Virginia’s federal employees and retirees about personal issues they are experiencing with the system. I hope that the impending review of these outstanding issues will come as welcomed news to the dedicated public servants who are experiencing issues, and I look forward to monitoring the progress and findings made by the agency.”

“Thank you for your letter requesting that the Government Accountability Office review matters relating to the new Thrift Savings Plan online system, including the planning, contract award and implementation, as well as oversight by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority,” said A. Nicole Clowers, Managing Director, Congressional Relations, U.S. Government Accountability Office. “If an issue arises during this coordination, we will consult with you regarding its resolution.”

Click here to read text of the letter sent from Spanberger to GAO.

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