Audit: Ed. Dept. credit cards abused

WASHINGTON, July 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Education workers inappropriately charged $49,500 in personal items and services on government credit cards, auditors say.

A review by the department's inspector general revealed 34 workers made inappropriate charges totaling $18,256 in 2006, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

Purchases were made at clothing stores and eateries close to the employees' offices and homes, the Post said.

The review found 29 workers withdrew about $17,600 above the amount permitted by the department for travel spending. Four employees withdrew $13,570 at times they weren't traveling for work, and a single worker made 44 withdrawals totaling $8,560.

Officials have not said whether the workers paid the credit card bills or reimbursed the department for charges they made.

"Inappropriate use of the travel card ... represents abuse of a government-provided resource, and compromises the integrity of the department," the review report says.