Authority of the Executive Branch to Issue Stop-work Orders for Work on the B-1 Bomber

This document discusses the analysis of the authority of the executive branch to issue stop-work orders for work on the B-1 bomber. Instructions were given prior to the completion of congressional action on the President's request pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to rescind $462 million of fiscal year 1977 procurement funds that were provided to the Department of Defense (DOD) for this purpose. Congress questions whether the President violated controlling law by issuing the stop-work orders.