Statement of Gene L Dodaro Before the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Spending, Budget and Accounting Concerning Asset Forfeiture Funds: Changes Needed to Enhance Congressional Oversight, September 25, 1987

• NCJ Number: 110163
• Author(s): G L Dodaro
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislative/Regulatory Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The General Accounting Office (GAO) has examined the operation of the Forfeiture Funds handled by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Customs Service and recommends Federal legislation to assure adequate control and oversight of these funds.

Abstract

These funds were established in 1984 and represent property that has been illegally used or acquired without paying the owner. In the Justice Fund, rapidly increasing revenues are accumulating to be spent with little congressional oversight. The handling of the Customs funds needs three changes: a revised reporting system, improved reports to Congress, and substantive improvements in the accounting system. Congress should reestablish a limit on the amount of funds that can be carried forward from 1 year to the next in the Justice Fund. It should also eliminate the annual authorization and appropriation limitations for the Customs Fund and establish a carryover provision. In addition, it should require an annual financial audit of the funds according to generally accepted Government auditing standards. Appendixes listing corrective actions taken related to cash management, confusing legislation affecting the Customs fund, and expenditures authorized by the laws.