Gene Dodaro was sworn in Thursday as the eighth comptroller general of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office.

Dodaro will lead Congress’ investigative arm into a term that promises an expanded role for the agency, including auditing the Federal Reserve.

“As Comptroller General, I plan to build on GAO’s proud tradition as a steadfast, non-partisan, professional watchdog for the American people; a trusted advisor to Congress; and a leading advocate for more efficient and effective management across government,” Dodaro said in a statement. “Looking ahead, the decisions facing policymakers will, in many cases, be difficult ones crucial to our nation’s security and prosperity. As in the past, GAO will be there to provide Congress with high-quality, objective, and timely information.”

Dodaro had been the GAO’s interim leader for almost three years, replacing David Walker, who resigned in February 2008.

The nomination process dragged on well into 2010, with Democrats and Republicans clashing about who should be given the nod. President Barack Obama nominated Dodaro in September to a full 15-year term.

On Dec. 22, he and other executive branch nominees were confirmed via a unanimous consent agreement reached among Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and the White House in the waning hours of the 111th Congress.

Dodaro took the oath of office at the GAO’s headquarters. He has held various positions with the agency for nearly three decades.