Millions Wasted on Gov Travel

[solvs]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20071003/government-travel-waste/

Federal employees wasted at least $146 million over a one-year period on business- and first-class airline tickets, in some cases simply because they felt entitled to the perk, congressional investigators say.

I thought they were supposed to be conservatives. And that only liberals were elitists. This doesn't bother anyone else?

[it5five]

To be fair, not all of those employees were political appointments. Some of them were, but not all. (At least that was the version of the story I read in my local paper).

The latest GAO report noted that several government entities are not subject to government rules on premium-class travel _ among them, the U.S. Postal Service...

Now I just need to figure out how to get that sweet free premium-class travel.

[solvs]

The main problem, as usual, is the lack of oversight of those who do fall under these guidelines. ;)

[Ugg]

Just a sign of the republicans sense of entitlement. How much body armor or health care would that money have purchased?

[miloblithe]

This is hardly just something that republicans do.

[PlaceofDis]

This is hardly just something that republicans do.

indeed, its a sign that we need more reform in the government so just money isn't wasted though and can't happen.

[miloblithe]

indeed, its a sign that we need more reform in the government so just money isn't wasted though and can't happen.

I don't know that we're talking about reform. These rules are in place. They just need to be enforced along with a culture of accountability.

[FJ218700]

I don't know that we're talking about reform. These rules are in place. They just need to be enforced along with a culture of accountability.

but some of the rules are ridiculous, even if enforced. For example, when I travel by car for business, the gov't reimburses me 50 cents a mile. Thus, if I travel 500 miles round-trip on the highway getting 35 miles per gallon, it costs me about $35 in gas. But, if, I wanted to I could be reimbursed around $250, no questions asked.

[LethalWolfe]

but some of the rules are ridiculous, even if enforced. For example, when I travel by car for business, the gov't reimburses me 50 cents a mile. Thus, if I travel 500 miles round-trip on the highway getting 35 miles per gallon, it costs me about $35 in gas. But, if, I wanted to I could be reimbursed around $250, no questions asked.
Reimbursement isn't just for gas, it's also for wear and tear on the vehicle. The more you travel the more often you'll need maintenance, new tires, new brakes, etc.,.


Lethal

[Ugg]

I don't know that we're talking about reform. These rules are in place. They just need to be enforced along with a culture of accountability.

And who's in charge of enforcement?

[imac/cheese]

but some of the rules are ridiculous, even if enforced. For example, when I travel by car for business, the gov't reimburses me 50 cents a mile. Thus, if I travel 500 miles round-trip on the highway getting 35 miles per gallon, it costs me about $35 in gas. But, if, I wanted to I could be reimbursed around $250, no questions asked.

I agree with Lethal. The government reibursement rate is based on the average vehicle operating cost per mile for the life of the vehicle.

[PlaceofDis]

I don't know that we're talking about reform. These rules are in place. They just need to be enforced along with a culture of accountability.

And who's in charge of enforcement?

exactly. the way the system works allows for loopholes and ridiculous things to slip through.

the way it is now, things don't work too well from my standpoint. obviously some of it is better than others, but i do think a change is needed, not that we'll see one.

[mactastic]

Hmm.. remember how much trouble "Travel-gate" caused? For some reason, theliberalmedia doesn't seem to be making as much noise about another travel-related scandal. Nor do Republicans seem very concerned about this issue.

I can't imagine why.

[FJ218700]

Reimbursement isn't just for gas, it's also for wear and tear on the vehicle. The more you travel the more often you'll need maintenance, new tires, new brakes, etc.,.

true, but I have the option of renting a car, getting reimbursed for the cost of the rental, and still getting the mileage fee.

[FFTT]

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Every day, I see big military choppers over Mclean transporting some official
to a meeting, just imagining what that kind of luxury is costing the taxpayers.

I'm sure many "officials" use private jets to get around record keeping.

I'm sure the amount of money wasted in "classified" black budget accounts
far exceeds any amount we would consider reasonable or justifed.

We're getting hosed big time and they will always find ways to
hide their skullduggery.