[Comments on USDA Obligation Actions]

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on whether the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) failure to obligate $9.65 million in appropriated funds constituted an improper impoundment. GAO found that the failure to obligate the $9.65 million resulted from USDA officials' ineffective efforts and lack of time to find the proper department to conduct an investigative survey of agricultural production and did not constitute an unlawful impoundment or rescission of funds.