On Saturday, June 17, 2006, ABC News posted a story online that I have not seen diaried anywhere. I further have not seen mention of it elsewhere in the traditional media.
If it has been covered here at Daily Kos, I apologize. But if it hasn't, it deserves to be covered, for it is just more evidence that the Republicans just can't stop wasting tax payer's money.
From ABC News:
After the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Congress said [Health and Human Services Secretary Michael] Leavitt could use a private jet leased by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during "emergencies and in the days following such emergencies." The CDC uses the plane to move its people to medical emergencies.
Alright, makes sense, since the CDC falls under the purview of the HHS. However, as a lawyer, I am taken aback with the vague language "and in the days following such emergencies." Such language could very well allow Mr. Leavitt to travel to an area ravaged by a Hurricane this summer, and then hop over to Key West for some fun "in the days following such emergencies."
But I digress.
Leavitt was not supposed to use the jet for normal business travel, but according to Health and Human Services records, he used it to travel to 91 cities this year for meetings on health policy and to sell the administration's controversial Medicare drug prescription plan.
Leasing the private jet costs $3 million a year. In the first five months of 2006 Leavitt's travels cost an additional $720,000 in hourly charges.
Mr. Leavitt, I understand that the Medicare Drug prescription plan is a complete and total disaster. But it does not fit the definition of an "emergency" as intended by Congress.
So unless there were natural or man made emergencies in all of those 91 cities, you owe us $720,000.00. I will take a certified check, please.
Leavitt defended his use of the jet, telling ABC News he uses it only when commercial travel is too slow to meet his schedule.
Now there is a non sequiter if I ever saw one. Mr. Leavitt, while I understand the frustrations involved with commercial travel (I for one always have to remove my shoes at the security checkpoints, and do not enjoy sitting in the middle seat) may seem like emergencies, they aren't actually emergencies. They are called life.
"Actually, there's nothing political about this," he said. "This is carrying out the business of the Department of Health and Human Services."
Leavitt's spokesman also told ABC News that Congress authorized the HHS secretary to use the plane for "significant events." That is true, but the law makes clear that those significant events should be "unpredictable" disasters like Katrina, not scheduled meetings and speeches.
Indeed. "[Selling] the administration's controversial Medicare drug prescription plan" is not political? A "significant event" is you giving a speech promoting disasterous policies? I know most Republicans have high opinions of themselves, but this is ridiculous.
But it gets worse.
Twice this year, the CDC has needed the plane for medical emergencies, but Leavitt was using it. So the CDC had to hire another jet at additional expense. Republicans have generally defended Leavitt, but Democrats are demanding an explanation.
Screw the explanation. Leavitt already tried to provide an excuse, or rather, a justification. Micheal Leavitt put lives in danger just so that he would not be inconvenienced with commercial airplane travel. And in so doing, he defrauded the American taxpayer of some $720,000.00.
We don't want an explanation. Mr. Leavitt must simply resign.