WASHINGTON — Casinos and strip clubs are not normally part of the congressional budget process. But they are mentioned in the 1,665-page spending bill passed by Congress this week to keep the government running.
There is a sentence on page 347 saying that "none of the funds" may be used for government travel card expenses by Defense Department employees for "gaming" or "topless or nude entertainers."
It was written into law because it has been an ongoing problem. Thousands of purchase card transactions by Pentagon employees took place at casinos and adult entertainment venues.
Auditors found an Army lieutenant colonel flagged in 2015 was never disciplined despite spending more than $2,000 at casinos. He later spent another $5,000 at casinos.
“The worst thing is, even though it was put in the ominbus, that doesn't mean it's not going to happen again,” said Michi Iljazi of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
The Pentagon is making changes to the travel card program.