GAO: IMLS unlawfully suspended Grants to States program
GAO determined the Institute of Museum and Library Services illegally cut staff and suspended the Grants to States program in response to a presidential executive order, failing to follow Impoundment Control Act procedures.
Evidence
1 sources- 01https://www.taxpayer.net/budget-appropriations-tax/recent-gao-decisions-demonstrate-the-limits-of-impoundment/
GAO
trust 0.90“IMLS cut staff and suspended grant programs in response to a presidential executive order. The Grants to States program is covered by the ICA fourth disclaimer, meaning it cannot be withheld for any reason. GAO found IMLS failed to follow ICA procedures.”
Across the aisle
Voices on this issue
Independent voices from different starting points, on the record about this kind of action. The framework grades behavior, not party — these quotes come from people who would say the same thing under any administration.
From the right
“Conservatism is supposed to be about institutions. If you are tearing the institutions down, you are not doing conservatism.”
Adam Kinzinger
Former Republican congressman from Illinois; House Jan 6 Committee member.
Kinzinger has restated this principle across multiple post-2021 appearances. Public statements (consolidated)
Follow the money
Money on this issue
Funds withheld, contracts awarded, contributions made, and lobbying disclosed in connection with this event. All figures are pulled from primary government records.
Withheld
Impoundment
- Amount not specified in GAO summary
Institute of Museum and Library Services → State libraries and museums (Grants to States program)
Grants to States program suspended in response to executive order; GAO found IMLS failed to follow ICA procedures.
FY2025 · GAO