Federal watchdog probes Price’s flights
WASHINGTON — Federal investigators are examining Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price’s recent use of costly charter flights on the taxpayers’ dime for official business.
The HHS inspector general’s office said Friday the agency is reviewing Price’s charters to see if they violated government travel regulations, which generally require officials to minimize costs.
“The review focuses on whether the travel complied with Federal Travel Regulations, but may encompass other issues related to the travel,” said Tesia D. Wil- liams, the spokeswoman. “We take this matter very seriously, and when questions arose about potentially inappropriate travel, we immediately began assessing the issue. I can confirm that work is underway and will be completed as soon as possible.”
24 flights since May
Price’s office said late Friday it is “cooperating fully” with the inspector general. “Out of respect for this process, we will have no further comment,” spokesman Ryan Murphy said in a statement.
In articles this week, Politico reported on Price’s trips, saying it has identified at least 24 flights since early May.
Congressional Democrats say Price wasted taxpayer dollars by chartering private planes for official business when other cheaper options were available. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said he would seek an investigation by the HHS inspector general.
Price is a former Republican congressman from Georgia and onetime chairman of the House Budget Committee. According to the initial Politico report, he chartered flights to a resort in Maine, where he was part of a discussion with a health care industry CEO.
He also flew on charters to visit community health centers in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. One leg was from Dulles International Airport in the Washington suburbs to Philadelphia International Airport, a distance of 135 miles.
Not always feasible
Price’s office said earlier this week the secretary has a demanding schedule and it’s not always feasible for him to fly on commercial flights.
As budget chairman, Price was a frequent critic of wasteful spending. As HHS secretary, he has questioned whether the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income people delivers results that are worth the billions of dollars taxpayers spend subsidizing coverage.
Other members of the Cabinet contacted by The Associated Press said they personally foot the bill for chartered travel or reimburse taxpayers the difference between commercial and chartered travel. Exceptions are when they travel with the president or vice president aboard government planes.
The HHS inspector general’s office is mainly known for investigating waste, fraud and abuse in health care programs. But it also acts as a watchdog over department officials.