Wilson Introduces Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2007

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson Introduces Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today introduced the “Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act.” This bill seeks to reform the government credit card program used in federal agencies for purchase and travel purposes.

Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced a companion measure in the Senate. Wilson and Grassley introduced similar legislation in the 109th Congress.

“I am pleased to once again join with Senator Grassley in combating cases of widespread government abuse and working to reform the program. During the past several years, rampant purchasing abuse has been uncovered. Such instances range from employees using government credit cards to buy jewelry, designer leather goods, alcohol, and concert tickets. Such blatant exploitation cannot be tolerated.

“The bill Senator Grassley and I today introduced will require penalties for abuse when it occurs, mandate classes on proper use of the cards, require audits to be performed regularly, and make sure every employee undergoes a standard credit check before they are issued a card.

“American taxpayers will not allow continued fraudulent behavior. The program must be reformed so another dollar is not wasted.”

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