[Request for Opinion on Appropriation To Be Charged for Hire of Personnel for State Functions]

A Department of State certifying officer requested a decision on the proper appropriation to be charged for the expenses of hiring extra waiters and busboys to serve at official parties and other representational events hosted by U.S. principal representatives serving at foreign posts. GAO noted that departmental regulations require that expenses for temporary waiter and busboy help be charged to the representational allowance appropriation, rather than the official residence expense (ORE) account as has been the practice of several foreign posts. Further, since the representational allowance appropriation specifically covers such expenses, it is incorrect to use the broader ORE account. Accordingly, the certifying officer should make the appropriate accounting adjustments.