President's Ninth Special Message for FY 1983

GAO reviewed the President's ninth special message for fiscal year (FY) 1983 which proposes one new rescission totaling $15 million and four new deferrals of budget authority which total approximately $35 million.

Because this message was submitted after the Supreme Court handed down a decision that a one-house legislative veto was unconstitutional, the effect the decision has on the legislative veto mechanism in the Impoundment Control Act and on the remainder of the act remains uncertain. The President's submission of this message pursuant to the act indicates that the Administration intends to treat at least the reporting requirements of the act as still viable. GAO identified no additional information that would be useful to Congress in its consideration of the President's proposals and believes that the proposed deferrals are in accordance with existing statutes.