Letter to Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy - Reimbursement of Contractor Trips

Letter

Dear Secretary Moniz:

I am deeply concerned by a recent investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General that revealed that Department of Energy officials have not adhered to the policies that ensure public funds are spent in the best interest of American taxpayers.

The report revealed that a contractor hired by the Department attended an 8-day conference cruise at taxpayers' expense. I understand that the Department was later reimbursed for the trip after the error was discovered, but it is unacceptable that taxpayer funding was available for misuse in the first place. The Department needs to close the inexcusable gaps in contractor and conference expense oversight.

With American families struggling through a tough economy, Congress and federal agencies must hold themselves to a higher standard and act as good stewards of taxpayer funds. Ultimately, the responsibility rests with you to ensure your agency is adhering to protocols set forth to protect these funds.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding the steps you are taking to prevent this situation from happening again.

Sincerely,

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