WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, today released a statement in response to a report in the Washington Post that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is spending critical homeland security dollars lavishly.

“House Republicans tell us that there is not enough money in the budget to screen the cargo that goes on our passenger planes, there is not enough money to track the nuclear materials that could be used in a terrorist attack and that it would be too expensive and burdensome to re-route hazardous materials from populous areas vulnerable to attack, yet, somehow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) managed to find $1,180 for 20 gallons of Starbucks Coffee ($3.69 a cup) for contractors.

“Give me a break! We need to stop sinking critical taxpayer money into lattes and start strengthening lax security at our nuclear plants, chemical facilities and airports.”

Today’s Washington Post highlighted some of the most egregious TSA line items including:
· $526.95 for one phone call from the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago to Iowa City.
· $1,180 for 20 gallons of Starbucks Coffee -- $3.69 a cup -- at the Santa Clara Marriott in California.
· $1,540 to rent 14 extension cords at $5 each per day for three weeks at the Wyndham Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colo.
· $8,100 for elevator operators at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan.
· $5.4 million claimed for nine months' salary for the chief executive of an "event logistics" firm that received a contract before it was incorporated and went out of business after the contract ended.

For information on Rep. Markey’s legislation to close critical homeland security loopholes visit www.house.gov/markey