Opinion on Restrictions on Paying Fees or Dues in Societies and Traveling Expenses Incurred in Connection with Attendance at Meetings

This document concerns the restrictions of the Act of June 26, 1912, 37 Stat. 184 (5 U.S.C. 83), on paying fees or dues in societies and traveling expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings unless the restrictions are specifically authorized by the appropriation. Section 8 of 37 Stat. 184, the District of Columbia Appropriation Act of 1913 establishing those prohibitions, does not contain any words of futurity. In conformity with the ruling made in 18 Comp. Gen. 37, it would appear that these prohibitions are not applicable after the fiscal year 1913. The Department of State seeks GAO's opinion as to whether the prohibitions are in full force and effect.