WASHINGTON, D.C.

The trouble-plagued General Services Administration is in hot water yet again. The agency—which, among other functions, sets the per diem rate for travel by government workers—is  facing investigations into as many as 77 conferences and awards ceremonies over the years, according to The Washington Times.

The increased scrutiny stems from the revelation of new details surrounding a one-day event in Crystal City, Md. that cost more than a quarter million dollars. Embroiled in the scandal is a GSA deputy who was recently deemed a hero to taxpayers after reporting on the Las Vegas meeting that started the agency’s troubles.

At a congressional hearing on Wed., Aug. 1, Rep. John Mica, Florida Republican and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure said both the GSA's Office of Inspector General and the House committee are investigating a host of potentially wasteful conferences at the agency. Videos from the Crystal City event show GSA Deputy Administrator Susan Brita on stage with a drumming troupe and other top GSA executives.

Brita and other GSA leaders who were invited to attend the hearing declined to come. Cynthia A. Metzler, GSA’s chief administrative officer, testified at the hearing Wednesday, saying the agency’s acting administrator, Dan Tangherlini, was unavailable due to a family commitment. He took over the agency following the resignation of Martha Johnson earlier this year in the wake of the Las Vegas conference scandal.

Courtesy of  The Washington Times