Skip to main content

Rep. Crow Helps Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Lavish Spending by Cabinet Officials, Increase Transparency for Taxpayers

February 13, 2019

Crow Continues Fight for Good Government with Reining In Irresponsible Decorating Expenses Act

Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) helped introduce legislation to crack down on lavish spending by Cabinet officials and to increase transparency for taxpayers on renovation and decorating expenses at federal agencies. Joining Crow as the lead sponsors of the Reining In Irresponsible Decorating Expenses (RIIDE) Act are Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Mark Meadows (NC-11).

Recently, Cabinet officials have come under heightened scrutiny after reports of lavish redecorating expenses on the taxpayer's dime. Former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt spent nearly $43,000 on a sound-proof phone booth, violating federal spending laws. Additionally, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson spent more than $31,000 of taxpayer money on a new dining set. The RIIDE Act would crack down on these purchases and increase transparency for hardworking taxpayers.

"Those of us serving in government should lead by example and that starts with being good stewards of our tax dollars. Instead, we have seen officials in this administration embarrassing their country with their frivolously and, frankly, selfish spending," said Crow. "The RIIDE Act stops abuse of taxpayer funds while demanding transparency and accountability from those in power."

"The RIIDE Act is a critical common-sense reform that would ensure public officials do not abuse the public trust," said Tom Schatz, President of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. "Instead of measuring their taxpayer-funded drapes, Washington politicians should be focused on fiscal responsibility for themselves and the nation."

Before Cabinet secretaries and agency heads spend more than $5,000 in taxpayer funds for office renovations and furniture, the RIIDE Act would require them not only to notify Congress, but also to justify the expense. Additionally, the RIIDE Act would create consequences for those that don't comply – failing to report such expenses would require paying back the U.S. Treasury for the expense, including interest.

Crow has a long history of fighting for accountability and transparency in our government. He has been outspoken against corporate influence in our elections and co-sponsored H.R.1, the once-in-a-generation reform package. In his first 30 days in Congress, Crow introduced the End Dark Money Act which will help close loopholes that allow mega-donors to hide their political spending.