Kansas delegates not using car rule

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 21, 2008 by James Carlson

By James Carlson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Kansas members of the U.S. House of Representatives say they are trying to save taxpayers money by not utilizing a rule that allows them to lease cars with their congressional allowance.

The provision, in place for years, permits lawmakers to use their office's budget to lease automobiles for official use. The U.S. Senate has no such rule.

The issue of taxpayer-funded leases has surfaced in the past, under cries of wasteful spending, and emerged again recently with new mandates the leased cars be more energy efficient.

In 2007, nearly 130 representatives took advantage of the rule by spending about $1 million, according to data compiled by the nonpartisan group Taxpayers for Common Sense. For instance, Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., leased a 2007 Chevy Tahoe for $1,013 a month. Likewise, Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., spent $998 each month on a 2007 Lexus.

Others like Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., opted for a 2006 Toyota Prius for $183.

But the Kansas delegation said it just wasn't necessary.

Rep. Nancy Boyda doesn't accept the federal mileage reimbursement when she drives her own car for official use, much less use taxpayer's money for leasing a car, said spokesman Thomas Seay.

"Our aim is to run our office as effectively as possible," Seay said.

Federal employees, which includes public office holders, can be reimbursed 50.5 cents for each mile of official-use driving, which is meant to cover the costs of gas and the automobile's wear and tear. Those representatives leasing cars can turn in receipts strictly for purchased gas.

Others in the Kansas delegation also use their own car while driving their districts. Rep. Jerry Moran either drives his vehicle or rents a car when traveling through his district's 69 counties on his annual listening tour.

"We're looking at the most affordable ways to travel," said Moran spokeswoman Nicole Young.

The offices of Boyda and Moran decide whether to use their own car or a rental based on the overall cost. For long trips, it can be cheaper to rent a car and get reimbursed for the actual gas money instead of receiving the larger wear-and-tear reimbursement.

Sam Sackett, spokesman for Rep. Todd Tiahrt, said the issue is one of efficient spending.

"(Tiahrt) has never felt a need to use taxpayer money for this," he said.

Those taxpayer dollars are allowed by the Members' Congressional Handbook, which details what travel expenses are covered. Included in the permitted travel costs is dollars spent on leasing a car for "ordinary and necessary expenses" for "official and representational duties to the district from which elected."

Lawmakers tweaked the car-leasing rule last year when they attached to an energy bill a small amendment requiring any leased vehicle to be a more environmentally friendly car.

James Carlson can be reached

at (785) 233-7470

or james.carlson@cjonline.com.