Reconsideration of a Decision Interpreting a Proviso in the Authorization for Expenditure for Administrative Expenses of the Federal Public Housing Authority

The Administrator of the Housing and House Finance Agency requested GAO's reconsideration of a previous decision in which there was considered the effect of a proviso appearing in the authorization for expenditure of $11,500,000 for administrative expenses of the Federal Public Housing Authority. The proviso reads as follows: "That $175,000 shall be available only for the audit and revision of past accounting records." The Administrator contends that the proviso was intended to insure that funds in at least the amount stated would not be committed for other activities of the Public Housing Administration, rather than as a maximum limitation on the amount to be expended for the purpose designated.