Obama Veterans Affairs Department personnel go scouting
The Obama administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs commissioned and paid for with taxpayer dollars a $52,000 parody of the opening sequence in the movie “Patton.” On Monday, Chairman Darrell Issa sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking for an explanation.
According to Issa’s letter, although the VA has videographers and editors on staff, the conference planners engaged a contractor to produce the Patton video.
The week long “Human Resources Conference 2011: Innovative Solutions for a Strategic Workforce,” held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, cost approximately $5 million. Organizers spent $84,000 on branded pens, hand sanitizers, USB drives, and highlighters.
Seven individuals travelled from the D.C. department headquarters on scouting missions for conference locations, including a visits to Nashville, Dallas, and Orlando, despite the fact that the department has qualified personnel in those locations. According to Issa’s letter, some of the scouts may have received improper “gifts” including limo rides, helicopter rides, and show tickets.
The Committee found that $3,000 was spent on two photographers for the event. The investigation uncovered that conference attendees may have also received alcohol, gift baskets, embroidered pillow cases, and spa treatments.
The Obama administration has been plagued with government spending issues, including the notorious GSA conference at which a mind reader and clown were hired to perform for government employees.