萨班斯法案（2002）Sec.701.(1)

　　SEC.701.GAO STUDY AND REPORT REGARDING CONSOLIDATION OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS.

　　(a)STUDY REQUIRED.-The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study-

　　(1)to identify-

　　(A)the factors that have led to the consolidation of public accounting firms since 1989 and the consequent reduction in the number of firms capable of providing audit services to large national and multi-national business organizations that are subject to the securities laws;

　　(B)the present and future impact of the condition described in subparagraph(A)on capital formation and securities markets,both domestic and international;and

　　(C)solutions to any problems identified under subparagraph(B),including ways to increase competition and the number of firms capable of providing audit services to large national and multinational business organizations that are subject to the securities laws;

　　(2)of the problems,if any,faced by business organizations that have resulted from limited competition among public accounting firms,including-

　　(A)higher costs;

　　(B)lower quality of services;

　　(C)impairment of auditor independence;or

　　(D)lack of choice;and

　　(3)whether and to what extent Federal or State regulations impede competition among public accounting firms.