Improper Lobbying Activities by the Department of Defense on the Proposed Procurement of the C-5B Aircraft

In response to a congressional request, GAO investigated the accuracy of allegations regarding the existence of a Department of Defense (DOD) lobbyist group in favor of the proposed procurement of the C-5B aircraft. Specifically, GAO was asked to determine whether these activities violated statutory prohibitions of lobbying with appropriated funds.

GAO found that an extensive and cooperative effort was made by officials of the Air Force, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Lockheed Corporation, and other Defense contractors to influence certain Congressmen's votes on the proposed procurement. This effort was initiated and directed by Defense officials, and they spent appropriated funds and government resources to sustain their activities. Actions taken by Air Force and OSD officials to influence the Congressmen through the use of contractors were improper and violated the federal appropriations restrictions which prohibit the use of appropriations for publicity and propaganda purposes designed to influence legislation pending before Congress. Further, DOD may have exceeded the limitation on the funds it can spend on legislative liaison activities contained in the Defense Appropriation Act of 1982. Since the governing statute contains fine and imprisonment provisions, GAO referred the matter of possible violation to the Attorney General.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Walter L. Anderson Team: General Accounting Office: Accounting and Financial Management Division Phone: (202) 275-5044