Congressman Carney Calls For Greater Fiscal Responsibility From The Department Of Homeland Security

Press Release

Congressman Chris Carney (PA-10) today called for greater fiscal responsibility from the Department of Homeland Security. The Department's travel practices are under scrutiny following a December 2009 report that found lax policies. In a Homeland Security oversight subcommittee hearing that he chaired today, Congressman Carney examined how the lack of internal controls, governing policies, oversight, and reporting of conference planning and spending practices prevents transparency and accountability at the department.

"The only test that appears to be in place for determining the necessity of travel is whether funding is available," Congressman Carney said. "This must be fixed."

The IG report, "DHS Conference Spending Practices and Oversight," found that DHS officials were unable to produce precise, consistent numbers on conference spending. Information was not maintained in a way that allows for easy examination. As a result, most responses received from the components included discrepancies and contained missing data. Most alarming, the IG reported that one DHS official said "there is no reason to track conference expenditures because there are no spending restrictions."

"The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with securing our nation from the many threats we face, a task that requires participation in many off-site activities throughout the country and the world," Congressman Carney said. "But it must be diligent in carrying out that task in a fiscally responsible manner, exercising strong oversight, accountability and transparency over travel within the department."

Testifying before the Management, Investigations and Oversight subcommittee were Elaine Duke, Undersecretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security, and Carl Mann, Assistant Inspector General for Inspections in the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security.

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