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CHERYL GLASER: Another bad news day for the Homeland Security Department. Auditors report tales of wasteful spending by department workers in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Marketplace’s Scott Tong has the scoop.
SCOTT TONG: The government gives credit cards to employees to make what are supposed to be small purchases. The program is called Smart Pay.
You be the judge: Today’s audit finds $230 bucks spent on a beer brewing kit, $8,000 for a plasma screen TV, $208,000 for flat-bottom boats — the Feds paid double the market price.
SCOTT AMEY: I’d love to say that I’m shocked
Scott Amey is with the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight. He says the problem has cropped up throughout government.
AMEY: Purchase card holders have bought Atlanta Braves tickets, Victoria’s Secret merchandise, jewelry, cell phones, tires, escort services, and in one instance we’ve even seen someone purchase breast enhancement surgery.
In the Homeland Security case, the report blames bad management and oversight. It found in almost half the cases, the purchases were not properly authorized.
The department has disciplined 70 workers, and plans to look into the fishy charges.
In Washington, I’m Scott Tong for Marketplace.