Proposed Rescissions of Budget Authority Pursuant to Impoundment Control Act of 1974

The President's fifth special message for fiscal year 1979 pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 proposed 10 new rescissions of budget authority totaling $914.6 million, six new deferrals affecting $1,169.8 million, and revisions to six previously proposed deferrals increasing certain withholdings by $28.8 million. Formal reserves were established for some of the proposed rescissions. However, delays in reporting the establishment of some budgetary reserves did not comply with either the requirements or spirit of the Impoundment Control Act. The delay in reporting these rescission proposals has resulted in an increase in the period during which funds may be held pending consideration of a rescission bill. Generally, the information provided in the fifth special message was correct and the actions being proposed have been clearly and accurately stated. Some of the proposed rescission and reprogramming actions appeared to be at variance with congressional expectations regarding the objectives and goals of Federal programs.