Presidential Transitions Effectiveness Act of 1988--H.R. 3932

GAO discussed H.R. 3932, a bill that would authorize appropriations and amend sections of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. GAO found that the bill: (1) provides adequate public money to eliminate the need for private funding for presidential transition; (2) provides for disclosure of private financial contributions and expenditures as a condition to receiving public transition funds; (3) mandates disclosure of the names, most recent employment, and funding sources of all transition personnel to prevent any conflict of interest; (4) provides funding support to facilitate relocation for the outgoing President and Vice President beginning 1 month prior to inauguration; (5) provides for use of government aircraft on a reimbursable basis; (6) allows the President-elect and Vice President-elect expenditures for up to 30 days after inauguration; and (7) provides reimbursement for travel and transportation expenses of officials involved in the transition who later accept appointments in the new administration. GAO believes that Congress may wish to consider including a provision to audit the transition funds.