Comptroller General of the United States Decision:
Use of funds available to the Yurok Indian Tribe pursuant to a “Compact of Self-Governance” between the Tribe and the Department of the Interior for land acquisition by the Tribe was consistent with law. Section 450h of Title 25, United States Code, authorizes Interior to fund land acquisition by Indian tribes. Interior’s decision not to request specific funding for grants under section 450h does not preclude Interior’s use of “Operation of Indian Program” funds to “contract” with Indian tribes for authorized grant purposes. Agencies may reprogram funds within appropriation accounts, as long as expenditures are within the general purpose of the appropriation and are not in violation of any other specific limitation or otherwise prohibited.
