House seeks to slash GAO budget, curb investigations | JQJO

The House Appropriations Committee proposes a nearly 50% budget cut to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), reducing its funding to $414 million. This move, driven by frustration with GAO's investigations into the Trump administration's alleged violations of the Impoundment Control Act, also restricts GAO's ability to pursue legal action under the act. Critics argue this is a partisan power grab undermining GAO's independence and efficiency, while proponents claim it redirects spending to congressional priorities and enhances accountability. The bill's markup is scheduled for this week.