Restriction Violations on the Use of Appropriations in a Press Release by the Office of Personnel Management

GAO was asked to give an opinion about whether a press release issued by the Office of Personnel Management violated certain restrictions on the use of appropriations.

GAO found that through issuance of the press release, the Director of OPM was informing the public of the Administration's position on legislation that was being considered by Congress, rather than attempting to persuade the public as to the importance of OPM as a government agency. GAO felt that the message was specifically directed toward the importance of proceeding with certain pay proposals for Federal workers as opposed to any self-aggrandizement wither directly or by implication. Therefore, GAO determined that the press release was not in violation of any restrictions.