Cracking Down On Agency Credit Cards

In a flurry of last-minute activity last weekend, Congress passed a bill cracking down on the use of agency credit cards. The measure requires agencies to do a credit check on prospective card holders, maintain detailed records, limit the number of cards issued and set policies on credit limits. Senate sponsors said one General Services Administration worker racked up tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses on a government purchase card. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said feds have used the cards to buy kitchen appliances, jewelry and cruises. He singled out the departments of Defense and Housing and Urban Development, the Forest Service and the Federal Aviation Administration for management problems.