Anyone – how much benefit would $5 million dollars be toward the treatment of veterans? Obviously, it would help considerably. In light of today’s huge numbers it may seem a rather paltry sum in comparison, but it takes a lot of taxpayers to pile up that much money. So, where has VA spent a sum like that? Not where you’d approve, that’s for sure: The Veterans Affairs Department last year held two employee conferences at a combined cost of at least $5 million at which attendees received tens of thousands of dollars in promotional items. And employees who organized the conferences may have improperly accepted gifts, including alcohol, concert tickets and spa treatments, according to sources. The VA’s inspector general is investigating allegations of wasteful spending and improper acceptance of gratuities in connection with two human resources training conferences, held in Orlando, Fla., in July and August 2011. The IG’s office told Federal Times Aug. 13 it has “uncovered questionable activities” in its probe, which began in April after a tip was received on its hotline. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said that “if the results of the IG investigation are upheld, this represents an egregious misuse of funds meant to provide for the care of America’s veterans.” The VA makes the GSA scandal look almost respectable in comparison. This is pure arrogance, lack of leadership, lack of accountability and a classic example of waste, fraud and abuse. And it is especially egregious in a time of austerity with two freaking wars ongoing and an increased need for both funds and treatment. This is your government at work, unfortunately. Pitiful. ~McQ Twitter: @McQandO
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Posted
Aug 13 2012, 11:32 PM
by
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