[Claims on Checks Subject to Limited Payability Provisions]

The Air Force requested an advance decision concerning the proper funding for the payment of valid claims on checks cancelled pursuant to Public Law 100-86. GAO held that: (1) in issuing a replacement check for cancelled pre-effective-date checks the Air Force could charge the original appropriation that supported the obligation to the extent that funds remained available; and (2) the Air Force would have to seek additional appropriations to liquidate the outstanding obligation, if the original appropriation was insufficient to cover remaining claims. Accordingly, any older obligations that could not be paid with current unexpired appropriations would require specific legislative authority from Congress.