[Request for Clarification of Law Regarding Use of Government Vehicles]

Clarification was requested of the law regarding the transportation of spouses of high-ranking government officials in government vehicles. GAO has interpreted current law to mean that the transportation of spouses of government officials in government vehicles would be permissible only in very limited circumstances, such as: (1) when the spouse is accompanying the official to or from an official function; (2) when it is in the public interest for the spouse of a cabinet-level official to attend an official function, and circumstances prohibit the official from accompanying the spouse enroute; or (3) when the spouse's safety is threatened and government transportation would provide protection not otherwise available. An amendment to the legislation which explicitly sanctions these limited uses of government cars within clearly defined parameters would be advisable.