This is the accessible text file for GAO report number B-321125 
entitled 'Updated Rescission Statistics, Fiscal Years 1974-2010' which 
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B-321125: 

United States Government Accountability Office: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

June 23, 2011: 

The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye: Chairman: 
Committee on Appropriations: United States Senate: 
The Honorable Thad Cochran: 
Vice Chairman: 
Committee on Appropriations: United States Senate: 

Subject: Updated Rescission Statistics, Fiscal Years 1974-2010: 

This responds to your letter requesting that we transmit to Congress 
an updated package of our statistical data concerning rescissions 
proposed and enacted since the passage of the Impoundment Control Act 
of 1974. In response to your letter, we have updated our statistics 
regarding proposed and enacted rescissions through fiscal year 2010. 

Under the Impoundment Control Act, whenever the President proposes 
discretionary budget authority for rescission, he must transmit a 
special message to Congress detailing the amounts, reasons for, and 
effect of the proposed rescission. Congressional Budget and 
Impoundment Control Act, Pub. L. No. 93-344, title X, 88 Stat. 297, 
332 (July 12, 1974), codijjedat2 U.S.C. §§ 682-688. Agencies may 
withhold from obligation budget authority proposed for rescission in a 
special message for up to 45 legislative days following submission of 
the special message. 2 U.S.C. § 683(b). If Congress does not pass 
rescission legislation within this 45-day period, the budget authority 
must be released. Id The Impoundment Control Act provides a mechanism 
through which Congress may fast-track a vote on a special message. 2 
U.S.C. § 688. 

We present our statistics in the two enclosed sets of tables, 
Enclosures I and II. Enclosure I shows by fiscal year from 1974 to the 
present: (a) the aggregate number and amounts of rescissions proposed 
by the President, (b) the aggregate number and amount of those 
proposals enacted by Congress, (c) the aggregate number and amount of 
rescissions initiated by Congress, and (d) the total number of 
rescissions enacted and the total amount of budget authority rescinded 
by Congress, with totals for each category. Enclosure II shows by 
fiscal year from 1974 to the present, by presidential administration, 
the aggregate number and amount of rescissions proposed and enacted. 
The tables also display the number and amount of congressional 
rescissions by administration with totals for each category. Both
tables include all rescissions enacted through September 30, 2010. 

To compile our statistics, we used the same methodology as we have for 
earlier data.[Footnote 1] We analyzed appropriations, supplemental 
appropriations, and other acts of Congress enacted in each fiscal year 
in order to identify rescissions, which are any legislative provisions 
that eliminate previously enacted and currently available budget 
authority. 

To ensure that we completely and accurately identify all rescissions, 
we consult with staff from the House of Representatives Committee on 
Appropriations, who are responsible for tracking rescissions. Our 
statistics differ somewhat from those of the committee staff, who 
utilize different criteria to identify certain enactments as
rescissions. For example, if Congress "rescinds" funds from one 
account and in the next paragraph "appropriates" the same amount to a 
different account, we consider it reallocated budget authority, not a 
rescission. 

The statistics appear in the same format as earlier tables, although 
the current product includes adjustments for clerical and 
transcription errors contained in earlier reports. 

Signed by: 

Lynn H. Gibson: 
General Counsel: 

Enclosures - 3: 

Footnote: 

[1] We provide an abbreviated methodology in Enclosure III. For an 
exhaustive review of the background and methodology of this project, 
see the scope and methodology of our original presentation of these 
statistics, B-246096.8, April 30, 1992. 

[End of section] 

Enclosure I: Summary Of Proposed And Enacted Rescissions: Fiscal Years 
1974-2010: (Legislative Action Through 9/30/10): 

Fiscal year: 2010; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 132; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $10,997,057,243; 
Total rescissions enacted: 132; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $10,997,057,243. 

Fiscal year: 2009; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 92; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $12,716,568,834; 
Total rescissions enacted: 92; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $12,716,568,834. 

Fiscal year: 2008[1]; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 126; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $12,201,184,028; 
Total rescissions enacted: 126; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $12,201,184,028. 

Fiscal year: 2007[1]; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 56; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $8,035,711,005; 
Total rescissions enacted: 56; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $8,035,711,005. 

Fiscal year: 2006[2]; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 89; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $33,361,184,156; 
Total rescissions enacted: 89; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $33,361,184,156. 

Fiscal year: 2005; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 76; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $6,351,133,468; 
Total rescissions enacted: 76; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $6,351,133,468. 

Fiscal year: 2004; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 49; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $10,515,464,056; 
Total rescissions enacted: 49; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $10,515,464,056. 

Fiscal year: 2003; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 47; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $3,123,436,524; 
Total rescissions enacted: 47; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $3,123,436,524. 

Fiscal year: 2002; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 76; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $4,621,092,342; 
Total rescissions enacted: 76; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $4,621,092,342. 

Fiscal year: 2001; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 67; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $5,148,137,497; 
Total rescissions enacted: 67; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $5,148,137,497. 

Fiscal year: 2000; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 3; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $128,000,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 61; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $3,757,774,500; 
Total rescissions enacted: 61; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $3,757,774,500. 

Fiscal year: 1999; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 3; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $35,040,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 2; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $16,800,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 105; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $5,081,426,930; 
Total rescissions enacted: 107; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $5,098,226,930. 

Fiscal year: 1998; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 25; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $25,260,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 21; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $17,276,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 43; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $4,180,814,234; 
Total rescissions enacted: 64; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $4,198,090,234. 

Fiscal year: 1997; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 10; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $407,111,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 6; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $285,111,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 96; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $7,381,253,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 102; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $7,666,364,000. 

Fiscal year: 1996; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 24; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,425,900,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 8; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $963,400,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 104; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $4,974,852,131; 
Total rescissions enacted: 112; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $5,938,252,131. 

Fiscal year: 1995; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 29; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,199,824,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 25; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $845,388,805; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 248; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $18,868,380,121; 
Total rescissions enacted: 273; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $19,713,768,926. 

Fiscal year: 1994; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 65; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $3,172,180,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 45; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $1,293,478,546; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 81; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $2,374,416,284; 
Total rescissions enacted: 126; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $3,667,894,830. 

Fiscal year: 1993; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 7; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $356,000,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 4; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $206,250,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 74; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $2,205,336,643; 
Total rescissions enacted: 78; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $2,411,586,643. 

Fiscal year: 1992; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 128; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $7,879,473,690; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 26; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $2,067,546,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 131; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $22,526,953,054; 
Total rescissions enacted: 157; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $24,594,499,054. 

Fiscal year: 1991; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 30; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $4,859,251,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 8; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $286,419,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 26; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $1,420,467,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 34[3]; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $1,706,886,000. 

Fiscal year: 1990; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 11; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $554,258,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 71; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $2,304,986,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 71; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $2,304,986,000. 

Fiscal year: 1989; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 6; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $143,100,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 1; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $2,053,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 11; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $325,913,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 12; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $327,966,000. 

Fiscal year: 1988; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 0; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $0; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 61; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $3,888,663,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 61; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $3,888,663,000. 

Fiscal year: 1987; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 73; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $5,835,800,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 2; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $36,000,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 52; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $12,359,390,675; 
Total rescissions enacted: 54; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $12,395,390,675. 

Fiscal year: 1986; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 83; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $10,126,900,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 4; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $143,210,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 7; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $5,409,410,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 11; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $5,552,620,000. 

Fiscal year: 1985; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 245; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,856,087,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 98; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $173,699,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 12; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $5,458,621,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 110; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $5,632,320,000. 

Fiscal year: 1984; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 9; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $636,400,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 3; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $55,375,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 7; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $2,188,689,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 10; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $2,244,064,000. 

Fiscal year: 1983; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 21; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,569,000,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 11; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $310,605,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 11; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $310,605,000. 

Fiscal year: 1982; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 32; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $7,907,400,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 5; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $4,365,486,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 5; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $48,432,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 10; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $4,413,918,000. 

Fiscal year: 1981; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 133; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $15,361,900,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 101[4]; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $10,880,935,550; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 43; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $3,736,490,600; 
Total rescissions enacted: 144; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $14,617,426,150; 

Fiscal year: 1980; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 59; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,618,100,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 34; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $777,696,446; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 33; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $3,238,206,100; 
Total rescissions enacted: 67; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $4,015,902,546. 

Fiscal year: 1979; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 11; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $908,700,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 9; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $723,609,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 1; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $47,500,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 10; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $771,109,000. 

Fiscal year: 1978; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 12; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,290,100,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 5; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $518,655,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 4; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $67,164,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 9; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $585,819,000. 

Fiscal year: 1977; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 20; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $1,926,930,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 9; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $813,690,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 3; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $172,722,943; 
Total rescissions enacted: 12; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $986,412,943. 

Fiscal year: 1976; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 50; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $3,582,000,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 7; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $148,331,000; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $0; 
Total rescissions enacted: 7; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $148,331,000. 

Fiscal year: 1975; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 87; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $2,722,000,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 38; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $386,295,370; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 1; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $4,999,704; 
Total rescissions enacted: 39; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $391,295,074. 

Fiscal year: 1974; 
Rescissions proposed by president: 2; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $495,635,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 0; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 3; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $1,400,412,000; 
Total rescissions enacted: 3; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $1,400,412,000. 

Subtotal 1990-2010: 
Rescissions proposed by president: 335; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $20,042,297,690; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 145; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $5,981,669,351; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 1,850; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $182,127,629,050; 
Total rescissions enacted: 1,995; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $188,109,298,401. 

Subtotal 1974-1989: 
Rescissions proposed by president: 843; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $55,980,052,000; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 316; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $19,025,035,366; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 254; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $38,657,219,022; 
Total rescissions enacted: 570; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $57,682,254,388. 

Grand Total 1974-2010: 
Rescissions proposed by president: 1,178; 
Dollar amount proposed by president for rescission: $76,022,349,690; 
Proposals accepted by Congress: 461; 
Dollar amount of proposals enacted by Congress: $25,006,704,717; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress: 2,104; 
Dollar amount of rescissions initiated by Congress: $220,784,848,072; 
Total rescissions enacted: 2,565; 
Total dollar amount of budget authority rescinded: $245,791,552,789. 

[1] The President proposed "cancellations" and rescissions in his 
budgets for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 but did not submit a special 
message under the Impoundment Control Act. These were not rescission 
proposals under the Impoundment Control Act. For more information see 
B-308011, Aug. 4, 2006. 

[2] The President sent a letter to Congress in October 2005 proposing 
the "cancellation" and rescission of $2.3 billion from 53 different 
programs. The letter was not a rescission proposal under the 
Impoundment Control Act. For more information, see B-307122, Mar. 2, 
2006. 

[3] The Military Construction Appropriations Act of 1991 approved 
certain rescissions proposed by the President in 1990 (41 days after 
the funds were released) for obligation under the Impoundment Control 
Act. Presidential rescission proposals R90-4, R90-5, and R90-10 
totaling about $41 million were not approved. 
        
[4] Thirty-three rescissions proposed by President Carter and totaling 
over $1.1 billion are not included in this table. These rescission 
proposals were converted to deferrals by President Reagan in his Fifth 
Special Message for Fiscal Year 1981 dated February 13, 1981. 

[End of enclosure] 

Enclosure 2: Rescissions By Presidential Administration Under The 
Impoundment Control Act: 

Fiscal Year: 2010; 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Number: 
132; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $10,977,057,243. 

Fiscal Year: 2009; 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Number: 
74; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $11,211,522,834. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President Obama, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Number: 
206; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Obama Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $22,188,610,077. 

Fiscal Year: 2009; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 18; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $1,505,016,000. 
  
Fiscal Year: 2008[1]; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 126; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $12,201,184,028. 

Fiscal Year: 2007[1]; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 56; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $8,035,711,005. 

Fiscal Year: 2006[2]; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 89; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $33,361,184,156. 

Fiscal Year: 2005; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 76; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $6,351,133,468. 

Fiscal Year: 2004; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 49; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $10,515,464,056. 

Fiscal Year: 2003; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 47; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $3,123,436,524. 

Fiscal Year: 2002; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 76; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $4,621,092,342. 

Fiscal Year: 2001; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 0[3]; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $0. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 537; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $79,714,221,579. 

[1] The President proposed "cancellations" and rescissions in his 
budgets for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 but did not submit a special 
message under the Impoundment Control Act. 

[2] The President sent a letter to Congress in October 2005 proposing 
the "cancellation" and rescission of $2.3 billion from 53 different 
programs. The letter was not a rescission proposal under the 
Impoundment Control Act. For more information, see B-307122, Mar. 2, 
2006. 

[3] All appropriations bills were completed by Congress prior to the 
end of calendar year 2000. Thus, no rescissions were initiated by 
Congress during the remainder of fiscal year 2001, which coincided 
with the President's first eight months in office. 

Fiscal Year: 2001; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 67; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $5,148,137,497. 

Fiscal Year: 2000; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 3; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $128,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 61; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $3,757,774,500. 

Fiscal Year: 1999; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 3; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $35,040,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 2; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$16,800,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 67; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 105; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $5,081,426,930. 

Fiscal Year: 1998; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 25; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $25,260,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 21; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$17,276,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 84; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 43; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $4,180,814,234. 

Fiscal Year: 1997; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 10; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $407,111,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 6; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$285,111,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 60; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 96; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $7,381,253,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1996; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 24; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: 
$1,425,900,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 8; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$963,400,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 33; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 104; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $4,974,852,131. 

Fiscal Year: 1995; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 29; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: 
$1,199,824,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 25; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$845,388,805; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 86; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 248; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $18,868,380,121. 

Fiscal Year: 1994; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 65; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: 
$3,172,180,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 45; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$1,293,478,546; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 69; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 81; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $2,374,416,284. 

Fiscal Year: 1993; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 7; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: $356,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 4; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$206,250,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 57; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 66; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $1,962,511,000. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Number: 166; 
Rescissions proposed by President Clinton, Dollar Amount: 
$6,749,315,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 111; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$3,627,704,35; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 67; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Number: 871; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Clinton Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $53,729,565,697. 
  
Fiscal Year: 1993; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 8; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $242,825,643. 

Fiscal Year: 1992; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 128; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: 
$7,879,473,690; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 26; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$2,067,546,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 20; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 131; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $22,526,953,054. 

Fiscal Year: 1991; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 30; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: 
$4,859,251,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 8; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$286,419,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 27; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 26; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $1,420,467,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1990; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 11; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: 
$554,258,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 71; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $2,304,986,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1989; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 11; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $325,913,000. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Number: 169; 
Rescissions proposed by President G.H.W. Bush, Dollar Amount: 
$13,292,982,690; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 34; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$2,353,965,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 20; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Number: 247; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During G.H.W. Bush Administration, 
Dollar Amount: $26,821,144,697. 

Fiscal Year: 1989; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 6; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: $143,100,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 1; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $2,053,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 17; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $0. 

Fiscal Year: 1988; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 0; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 61; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $3,888,663,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1987; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 73; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$5,835,800,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 2; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$36,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 3; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 52; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $12,359,390,675. 

Fiscal Year: 1986; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 83; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$10,126,900,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 4; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$143,210,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 5; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 7; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $5,409,410,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1985; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 245; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$1,856,087,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 98; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$173,699,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 40; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 12; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $5,458,621,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1984; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 9; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: $636,400,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 3; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$55,375,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 33; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 7; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $2,188,689,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1983; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 21; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$1,569,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 11; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $310,605,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1982; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 32; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$7,907,400,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 5; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$4,365,486,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 16; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 5; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $48,432,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1981; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 133; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$15,361,900,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 101; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$10,880,935,550; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 76; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 43; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $3,736,490,600. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Number: 602; 
Rescissions proposed by President Reagan, Dollar Amount: 
$43,436,587,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 214; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$15,656,758,550; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 36; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, 
Number: 198; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Reagan Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $33,400,301,275. 

Fiscal Year: 1981; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 33; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: 
$1,142,364,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $0. 

Fiscal Year: 1980; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 59; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: 
$1,618,100,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 34; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$777,696,446; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 58; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 33; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $3,238,206,100. 

Fiscal Year: 1979; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 11; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: $908,700,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 9; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$723,609,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 82; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 1; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $47,500,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1978; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 12; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: 
$1,290,100,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 5; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$518,655,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 42; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 4; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $67,164,000. 

Fiscal Year: 1977; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 7; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: $791,552,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 2; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$96,090,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 29; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 3; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $172,722,943. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Number: 122; 
Rescissions proposed by President Carter, Dollar Amount: 
$5,750,816,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 50; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$2,116,050,446; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 41; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, 
Number: 41; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Carter Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $3,525,593,043. 

Note: The 33 rescissions proposed in 1981 by President Carter were 
converted to deferrals by President Reagan in his Fifth Special 
Message of Fiscal Year 1981, dated February 13, 1981. 

Fiscal Year: 1977; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Number: 13; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Dollar Amount: $1,135,378,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 7; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$717,600,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 54; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Number: 
0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $0. 

Fiscal Year: 1976; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Number: 50; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Dollar Amount: $3,582,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 7; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$148,331,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 14; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Number: 
0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $0. 

Fiscal Year: 1975; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Number: 87; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Dollar Amount: $2,722,000,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 38; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$386,295,370; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 44; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Number: 
1; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $4,999,704. 

Fiscal Year: 1974; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Number: 2; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Dollar Amount: $495,635,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: $0; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 0; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Number: 
3; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $1,400,412,000. 

Total: 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Number: 152; 
Rescissions proposed by President Ford, Dollar Amount: $7,935,013,000; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Number Accepted: 52; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Dollar Amount: 
$1,252,226,370; 
Presidential proposals accepted by Congress, Percent Accepted: 34; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Number: 
4; 
Rescissions Initiated by Congress During Ford Administration, Dollar 
Amount: $1,405,411,704. 

[End of enclosure] 

Enclosure III: Objective, Scope, and Methodology for Rescission 
Statistics: 

We prepared the lists in Enclosures I and n using the same methodology 
we have used since we first compiled tables in 1992. See B-246096.8, 
Apr. 30, 1992. To keep the Congress apprised of the amount and 
frequency of rescissions proposed and enacted, we compiled statistics 
regarding rescissions proposed by the executive branch and rescissions 
enacted by Congress for each fiscal year from fiscal year 1974 to the 
present. We analyzed appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and 
other acts of Congress enacted in each fiscal year to identify 
rescissions. We used computer-based and manual research, supplemented 
by discussions with other sources such as staff of the House of
Representatives Committee on Appropriations to ensure that we 
completely and accurately identify all rescissions. 

To identify rescissions, we search for the verb "rescind" and the word 
"rescission" in its various forms. However, sometimes Congress does 
not use these terms in the legislative language even though the action 
is a rescission. For example, an act may delete a sum previously 
appropriated by another act and insert or substitute a lesser sum, 
which in effect rescinds previously appropriated budget authority. In 
other cases, Congress has referred to actions rescinding budget 
authority as "reductions." Congress may also use the phrase "shall 
revert to the Treasury" to achieve the reduction in appropriations 
which we count as a rescission if it eliminates previously enacted and 
currently available budget authority. Thus, our research also includes 
the terms "reduce," "revert," and "cancel" in their various forms. To 
identify presidential rescission proposals, and proposals that were 
enacted, we reviewed each special message submitted by the Presidents 
pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974,2 U.S.C. § 683 (1988), 
through September 30,2010, and matched our list of rescissions against 
our list of rescission proposals submitted to Congress by the President
pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act.[Footnote 1] We classified 
those rescissions that were not related to presidential proposals as 
congressionally initiated rescissions. 

Factors Considered in Counting Rescissions: 

A rescission is a law that "cancels the availability of budget 
authority previously enacted before the authority would otherwise 
expire."[Footnote 2] We consider any law that eliminates previously 
enacted and currently available budget authority as a rescission. 

There are several scenarios in which the timing of legislation with 
respect to the reduction or adjustment of budget authority affects 
whether we count it as a rescission. The following examples illustrate 
these scenarios. 

* If an act provides budget authority and a subsequent act rescinds 
some or all of that budget authority, we count the adjustment or 
reduction as a rescission. 

* If an act rescinds budget authority prior to the enactment of the 
budget authority, we do not count the adjustment or reduction as a 
rescission. 

* If Congress appropriates budget authority and reduces or adjusts the 
level of that authority in the same act, we do not count it as a 
rescission. 

* If Congress appropriates budget authority in one act and rescinds it 
in a second act, and both acts are signed on the same day, we do not 
count it as a rescission because the budget authority was never 
currently available. 

* If Congress provides budget authority in an act which delays the 
effective date of the budget authority and rescinds that budget 
authority in a subsequent act before the effective date of its 
availability, we do not count it as a rescission since the budget
authority was never currently available. 

* If Congress rescinds an unexpended balance of funds, we count it as 
a rescission. If Congress rescinds an expended balance of funds, we do 
not count it as a rescission since at the time of the putative 
rescission, it was not currently available budget authority. 

* If Congress "rescinds" funds from one account and in the next 
paragraph "appropriates" the same amount to a different account, we 
consider it reallocated budget authority, not a rescission. 

* We do not count any rescission from appropriations for the District 
of Columbia. 

Rescission of an Indefinite or Uncertain Amount of Budget Authority: 

We must be able to establish a definite amount for the rescission. We 
do not count what is legislatively denoted as a rescission if it 
comprises an indefinite or uncertain amount of budget authority. 

* If the language states that up to a certain amount or an indefinite 
amount of budget authority is rescinded, we have not included these 
rescissions in our statistics. For example, if the language states 
that "up to" or "not more than" a particular amount is rescinded, the 
amount is indefinite and we do not count it as a rescission. When able
to verify an exact amount rescinded, we adjust our historical tables 
accordingly.[Footnote 3] 

* If, however, the language rescinds a specific, minimum amount of 
budget authority, we include that amount in our rescission statistics. 
For example, where the law rescinds "not less than" a specific amount 
we include a rescission in that amount, even though more may be 
rescinded. 

Enclosure III Footnotes: 

[1] We counted the Presidents' proposed rescissions as proposals 
enacted by Congress whenever the Congress approved those proposals, 
i.e., without regard to the 45-day period applicable to rescissions 
contained in the Impoundment Control Act. 2 U.S.C. § 683(b). 
Hypothetically, if the President proposed a rescission in February 
2008, the 45-day period would typically run until April 2008. 
Nonetheless, we would consider that rescission to be one proposed by 
the President and enacted or approved by Congress, even if Congress 
did not approve the proposed rescission until later in 2008. 

[2] U.S. Government Accountability Office, A Glossary of Terms Used in 
the Federal Budget Process, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-05-734SP] (Washington, D.C.: September 
2005). 

[3] For example, we originally did not count a routine annual 
rescission of contract authority provided to the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund which appears in the Department of Interior and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act. See, e.g., Pub. L. No. 108-7, 117 
Stat. 11, 226 (Feb. 20, 2003); Pub. L. No. 107-63, 115 Stat. 414, 425 
(Nov. 5,2001). The reason we initially excluded this rescission from 
our statistics was that we did not know the specific amount of budget 
authority rescinded when we compiled our statistics. We have 
confirmed, however, that the annual amount rescinded each fiscal year 
is $30,000,000 and now have included these amounts in our statistics. 

[End of section] 

[End of document]