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But critics argue that its reliance on the #HonorSystem [esp given #HouseRepublicans dearth of honor] & lack of #transparent record-keeping makes it ripe for abuse.

The reimbursement scheme’s lack of receipt requirements is a “ridiculous loophole … Clearly it becomes very difficult to tell whether or not it’s a legitimate payment & whether it’s proper,” said Craig Holman, a lobbyist for the good govt group Public Citizen.

The prgm has only a few rules: Lawmakers cannot be repaid for principal or interest on their mortgages, they can only get reimbursement for days they’re actually working in or flying to DC, & they can’t ask for more than their actual expenses. They’re also subject to daily spending caps determined by the GSA. They are “strongly encouraged,” but not required, to keep #records of their #expenses, acc/to guidance issued by the #House Cmte on Admin.

The same rules apply to every member. But lawmakers’ reimbursements have varied widely, & bc the prgm doesn’t require #receipts or public #disclosure of what members are #expensing, #taxpayers have to take lawmakers’ word that they’re playing by the rules.

Of the 435 voting members of the #House, 319 members — 153 #Democrats & 166 #Republicans — received reimbursement for some food/lodging expenses last yr, + 3 delegates from #US territories. The other 116 members received no reimbursements….

#Republican #MattGaetz, the prgm’s overall top spender, was reimbursed for nearly $30k in lodging #expenses & >$10k for food in 2023. He was reimbursed >$4k for lodging in 2 different months & >$3k in 5 different months.

A spox for #Gaetz said he was reimbursed for expenses when the #House was out of session but he was in DC on ofcl business related to his post on the select cmte on #weaponization of the federal govt.…

Other members of the cmte expensed SIGNIFICANTLY less than Gaetz.

@Nonilex ugh he's my crappy rep that I hope we're able to vote out.