Summary: This report discusses funding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to promote "safer sex" as a way of controlling the spread of the virus that causes AIDS. GAO examined whether grant recipients used federal money to engage in prohibited lobbying; improperly advocate cultural, institutional, ideological, economic, or other causes; or encourage homosexuality or the illegal use of intravenous drugs. Although CDC did not find grantees engaging in prohibited lobbying, its oversight was not accompanied by adequate controls over the use of federal funds to pay membership dues to organizations. During GAO's review, CDC strengthened its controls by requiring staff to gather information on the organizations receiving dues and the purpose of these payments. Also, the Public Health Service revised its grants administration policy on the extent of organizations' lobbying to determine the allowability of such dues reimbursement. CDC's oversight of AIDS-related materials produced with federal funds has fallen short.
