Trump administration violated law in delaying US Head Start education funding, GAO report finds
Source: msn/Reuters
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration's temporary freeze on federal funds for the Head Start early education program for low-income children was illegal, a non-partisan government watchdog concluded in a report released on Wednesday, as the White House continues to challenge Congress' authority over spending.
The U.S. General Accounting Office said disbursement of funds for the program, which is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, was significantly reduced beginning on Jan. 20 -- the day Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as president -- until April 25. Subsequently, funds were being delivered consistently, GAO said.
"We conclude that HHS violated the ICA," the GAO report stated, referring to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which allows the president to withhold obligated funds under strictly limited circumstances.
An HHS spokesman said in an email: "HHS did not impound Head Start funds and disputes the conclusion of the GAO report." Andrew Nixon, HHS director of communications, added, "GAO should anticipate a forthcoming response from HHS to incorporate into an updated report."
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/trump-administration-violated-law-in-delaying-us-head-start-education-funding-gao-report-finds/ar-AA1JahXB
Link to GAO REPORT - Department of Health and Human Services—Application of Impoundment Control Act to Availability of Head Start Program Funds
Link to GAO REPORT (PDF) - https://www.gao.gov/assets/890/880226.pdf
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