The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has Determined that the Trump (R) Administration Violated the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) by Unlawfully Withholding over $820 million in Funding designated for the Head Start Program. The Delay in Disbursement, carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reportedly Impacted the Timely allocation of Crucial Resources. The GAO claimed that Thousands of Low-Income Children were Deprived of Essential Early Childhood Education and Development services.
The GAO stated, “HHS has not transmitted the requested information. Given the absence of information from HHS, we have based this letter upon publicly available evidence." The GAO added, “Because that evidence indicates that HHS withheld appropriated funds from expenditure, and because the burden to justify such withholdings rests with HHS and the executive branch, we conclude that HHS violated the ICA by withholding funds from expenditure.”
A GAO Report found HHS Disbursed only 65% of Head Start Funds from the previous year, Violating the ICA. The Shortfall allegedly Disrupted Education, Health, and Nutrition Services, for Low-Income Children.
The GAO found that HHS Violated the Law by Withholding Head Start Funds without Justification. After HHS Refused to provide Information, the GAO said the Agency had Failed to meet Legal Requirements for Distributing Federal Funds.
The Report stated, “Once enacted, an appropriation is a law like any other, and the President must implement it by ensuring that appropriated funds are obligated and expended prudently during their period of availability unless and until Congress enacts another law providing otherwise.”
HHS has Rejected the GAO’s Findings, Claiming it did Not Withhold Head Start Funds. However, the GAO maintained that HHS Failed to Justify the Delayed Disbursements.
HHS Director of Communications Andrew Nixon (R) responded, “HHS did not impound Head Start funds and disputes the conclusion of the GAO report.” He added, “GAO should anticipate a forthcoming response from HHS to incorporate into an updated report.”
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