[Propriety of Advance VA Payments for Publications Coupons]

The Veterans Administration (VA) requested a decision regarding the propriety of advance payments to purchase coupons which it could later exchange for published articles. GAO held that advance payments for such coupons did not violate the general prohibition against advances of public money, since: (1) a statute permitted exceptions for publications; and (2) VA could redeem the coupons for cash reimbursement. Accordingly, VA may purchase coupons in advance to exchange for published articles.