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GAO Investigates Trump’s Funding Actions Under Impoundment Control Act
Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General, testified on Tuesday regarding an ongoing investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into the early actions of the Trump administration aimed at retracting federal funding. This inquiry is centered on potential breaches of the Impoundment Control Act.
The testimony occurred during a meeting of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which was convened to discuss the GAO’s biennial High Risk List. This list identifies federal programs that may be vulnerable to waste, fraud, or abuse. During the hearing, Representative Ro Khanna from California raised concerns about the rapid changes instigated by the Trump administration, including mass dismissals and the cancellation of contracts. He highlighted the influence supposedly exerted by Elon Musk and his associates in these decisions, particularly regarding the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“Mr. Dodaro, I have great respect for you and for your service, but I believe this is not a moment for hesitation,” Khanna remarked. He referenced historical precedent, citing how Dodaro’s predecessor, Elmer Staats, took legal action against President Ford for non-compliance with the Impoundment Control Act. Khanna posed the question of whether the current suspension of payments constituted a violation of this act.
Dodaro confirmed that the GAO has reached out to the administration for their legal justification concerning the pause on payments and the cancellation of contracts. He mentioned that the GAO is also tracking the administration’s legal arguments related to ongoing lawsuits aimed at blocking these actions.
“We’re going to expedite these decisions as much as possible,” Dodaro stated. “I am committed to fulfilling our duties under the Impoundment Control Act thoroughly and promptly. However, it is critical that we proceed with caution; if we determine there has been an impoundment and funds remain unreleased for an extended period, we may need to resort to legal action ourselves.”
Legal Preparedness and Government Operations
When queried by Khanna about his readiness to take legal action, Dodaro affirmed, “Yes, but it’s essential that I approach this judiciously; we want to succeed in court.” He assured that the GAO is prioritizing this investigation while striving to maintain a comprehensive and careful approach.
Dodaro also emphasized the complexities of the current situation, noting that the federal government is operating under a continuing resolution. This infrastructure means that the directives for spending taxpayer funds are less outlined than they would be with fully enacted appropriations legislation for the fiscal year 2025.
“Numerous factors inform these decisions, including the clarity with which Congress articulated appropriations laws initially,” Dodaro explained. “This year, under a continuing resolution, we lack definitive guidance for the fiscal year. There are many intricate details and legal considerations at play, but addressing this matter remains a high priority for us.”
As the investigation proceeds, the GAO is set to navigate these legal landscapes carefully while aiming to uphold fiscal accountability in government operations.
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