WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Federal employees using government credit cards to live the high-life would face stiff penalties under legislation proposed by a South Carolina Congressman.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., wants Congress to enact the Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act to crack down on rampant misuse of credit cards issued to federal workers.
News reports that federal employees used their government cards to gamble, pay for prostitutes and buy personal items indicate serious problems exist, Wilson says, leading him to ask Congress to toughen the rules.
Besides the tougher penalties, Wilson's bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, requires government employees to undergo credit checks before being issued cards and subjects their purchasing to regular audits.
It also requires agencies to establish policies governing the number of cards issued and credit limits, and to train cardholders and supervisors in their proper use.
