06/04/2024

Via a Program That Doesn’t Require Receipts, Lawmakers Expensed Millions in 2023

Matt Gaetz was the program’s top spender

More than 300 House lawmakers were reimbursed at least $5.2 million for food and lodging while on official business in Washington last year under a new, taxpayer-funded program that does not require them to provide receipts.

The program, which kicked off last year after a House panel passed it with bipartisan support, was intended to make it easier for lawmakers to cover the cost of maintaining separate homes in D.C. and their home districts. But critics argue that its reliance on the honor system and lack of transparent record-keeping makes it ripe for abuse.

The reimbursement scheme's lack of receipt requirements is a "ridiculous loophole," said Craig Holman, a lobbyist for the good government group Public Citizen. "Clearly. it becomes very difficult to tell whether or not it's a legitimate payment and whether it's proper," Holman added.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.