[Propriety of FTC Installation of Cable Television in Employee's Home]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested a decision regarding its authority to use appropriated funds to pay for installment and monthly service charges for cable television installed in an employee's home. FTC advised that it: (1) installed the service for its exclusive use in monitoring cable television advertising; and (2) took several steps to minimize the employee's personal use of the service. GAO held that the cable television costs: (1) primarily benefitted the government; and (2) were a necessary expense to the FTC mission. Accordingly, FTC could use its appropriated funds to reimburse the employee for the cable television installment and service charges.