Decision Concerning DOD Use of Appropriated Funds for Fitness Program

The Defense Medical Systems Support Center requested a decision on the propriety of using appropriated funds to provide employee access to private health and fitness facilities as part of its health service program. GAO held that federal agencies could: (1) establish and operate preventive health service programs and facilities to promote and maintain their employees' physical and mental fitness; and (2) use appropriated funds to purchase access for their employees to a private fitness center's exercise facilities, subject to budgetary constraints. Accordingly, the Center had authority to use appropriated funds in such a manner.