Federal News Network
Jory Heckman
23 June 2025
GAO has frustrated Trump administration executives and Republican lawmakers with its enforcement of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act.
House appropriators are seeking a nearly 50% cut to a government watchdog’s budget next year and to rein in its ongoing investigations of the Trump administration.
The legislative branch portion of the fiscal 2026 spending bill, released by the corresponding subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee on Sunday, would cut the Government Accountability Office’s budget nearly in half. GAO under this proposal would get a $414 million budget next year — a nearly $400 million cut from current spending levels.
The spending bill in its current form would also prohibit GAO from using any of its funding to pursue civil action under the 1974 Impoundment Control Act “unless Congress has adopted a concurrent resolution authorizing the Comptroller General to bring such civil action.” The law prohibits the executive branch from withholding funds that Congress has already appropriated.
More: GAO faces nearly 50% budget cut, less oversight of withheld funds in budget plan
