[Question Concerning Sequestration Under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act]

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the manner in which the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planned to apportion required reductions among the unobligated portions of two appropriations accounts. The Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act requires the reductions. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determined that, since the Forest Service and BLM had obligated large portions of each account, they should make greater percentage reductions in activities for which they had not yet obligated funds. GAO determined that: (1) OMB reasonably found that the Forest Service and BLM obligated funds from the accounts to the extent that disproportionate reductions were necessary; and (2) the Forest Service and BLM should sequester fiscal year 1986 receipts at a proportional rate to make the required reductions.