[Interest Earned on Unauthorized Loans of Federal Grant Funds]

The Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requested a decision regarding the disposition of the interest earned on unauthorized loans. GAO held that the interest: (1) was earned before the funds were used for an authorized purpose; and (2) belonged to the United States. Accordingly, HUD should take appropriate collection action and deposit the interest collected in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.