After almost a year, the employees and senior administrative officials who participated in a "meeting" in Las Vegas are being investigated. The misuse of public funds is not something any of us want to see happen.
The great, overwhelming majority of our Federal workers are honest, service working, job focused and abide by the rules. Ifthe GSA line employees get away with misuse, misrepresentation or fraudulant behavior, many other Federal employees will be negatively effected.
I wrote a letter to my Congressman, John Larson, requesting that he actively support the investigations by the oversight committe. When all audits are completed, and perpetrators identified, not only will restitution be required, but also prosecution under the law.
A copy of my letter to Congressman John Larson:
April 16, 2012
The Honorable John Larson
House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Larson:
I believe we must hold accountable all Federal employees who enjoy the privileges afforded by the Government Travel Credit Card, as specified in Public Law 105-264, Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998, October 19, 1998, (5 U.S.C. 5701 note). *
Full support for the investigations being conducted by the House Government Oversight Committee is essential to protect all American Citizens from fraud. Each Federal employee who has a GTC is required to obey the laws pertaining to the use of the GTC. Using the GTC for unauthorized and personal expenditures, and/or misrepresentation of an expense as legitimate is a firing offence.
There is no exemption for an employee who is a member of the union. Fraud and misbehavior are unacceptable from every Federal employee. I am asking you to fully support the inquiry by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Please let me have your assurance that you will work with the committee and all the members thereof to bring GSA employees to accountability.
Sincerely,
Leon Samuel Cashwell, Ph.D.
* Authorities:
- Public Law 105-264, Sec.2. 5 U.S.C. 5701 note, Requiring Use of the Travel Charge Card and Creditworthiness of Individuals To Be Issued Government Charge Cards
- 41 C.F.R. Part 301-10, Transportation Expenses (Federal Travel Regulations)
- 41 C.F.R. Part 301-2, General Rules (Federal Travel Regulations)
- 41 C.F.R. Part 301-51, Paying Travel Expenses (Federal Travel Regulations)
- 41 C.F.R. Part 301-52, Claiming Reimbursement (Federal Travel Regulations)
- Office of Management and Budget Circular A-123 (Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control) Appendix B (Improving the Management of Government Charge Card Programs), dated February 2006
- 31 U.S.C., Section 3716(a) (Administrative Offset)
