What we call the Antideficiency Act (ADA) was first recognized in law in 1870. The requirement for an apportionment came along in 1905 and 1906. What is the current GAO interpretation of violations of the ADA with respect to the Purpose Law?
a. Spending money on an object that is specifically prohibited in an appropriations law is the only way the Purpose Law can be violated.
b. Because agencies have authority to reprogram funds, when the Purpose Law is violated, they can move money within an appropriation to cover the difference.
c. Spending money for a purpose that is prohibited in law or not allowed by law or regulation is a violation of the ADA.
d. Since the Purpose Law is a separate law from the ADA, violations of purpose never result in an ADA violation.