Government Charge Card Abuse Could Soon be History
October 17, 2011
Federal employees who use government-issued charge cards may soon face regular credit checks, strict limitations on purchases and regular reviews to see if they still need the card.
A House committee last week unanimously approved the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act, which has already passed the Senate and is soon poised for a full House vote. The measure, originally introduced by Sens. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.), is in response to years of watchdog reports detailing the abuse, misuse and lax oversight of government-issued charge cards meant to pay for travel expenses and other small purchases, including office supplies.
Through the years, federal employees have used the cards to purchase kitchen appliances, cruises, to pay gambling expenses and even for tabs at legalized brothels.