Comer, Ernst Demand Probe into Pentagon’s Casino and Bar Spending Spree

House Oversight Chairman James Comer and Sen. Joni Ernst are cracking down on the Pentagon’s reckless spending, demanding a Government Accountability Office (GAO) probe into federal charge card misuse. Audits revealed jaw-dropping charges at casinos, bars, and nightclubs, all funded by taxpayers. With nearly 8,000 questionable Defense Department transactions at high-risk spots like casino ATMs and 3,246 at nightlife venues—often spiking on holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or Super Bowl Sunday—the lawmakers are fed up.

The Pentagon’s oversight is a mess, issuing almost two charge cards per employee and racking up $40 billion in spending last year. Worse, employees are dodging rules with 'split purchases' to skirt the $3,500 micro-purchase limit, a practice that’s illegal but persists due to lax enforcement. Agencies aren’t even analyzing spending data to curb waste, ignoring long-standing guidance.

Ernst didn’t mince words: 'It’s outrageous that bureaucrats are blowing tax dollars on party nights while our nation drowns in $36 trillion of debt.' Comer echoed the sentiment, insisting taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for federal splurges on dating apps or bar tabs. The GAO review, if launched, could overhaul charge card programs across hundreds of federal agencies, tightening controls and accountability.

This isn’t just about a few bad apples—it’s a systemic failure. With no one at the DOD able to show they’re tracking spending to save costs, it’s clear the system needs a serious shake-up. The lawmakers want answers on card issuance, risky transactions, and whether agencies are closing accounts when employees leave. It’s time to cut the plastic and stop the spending spree.