Transportation Security Contractor Spending at Lavish Hotels Under Scrutin

[Judi Lynn]

Tuesday, July 15

Transportation Security Contractor Spending at Lavish Hotels Under Scrutiny
By Leslie Miller Associated Press Writer
Published: Jul 15, 2003


WASHINGTON (AP) - Investigators are looking into why the Transportation Security Administration paid a contractor to house recruiters for airport screeners at resort hotels featuring golf courses, pools and spas.
The inquiry by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general comes amid rising criticism by lawmakers who say the travel security agency won't detail where its money goes.

The inspector general is auditing bills submitted by NCS Pearson - now called Pearson VUE - which was hired by the TSA to recruit more than 56,000 airport security screeners.

The inquiry was prompted by a letter from Democratic Sens. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Ron Wyden of Oregon, who questioned a seven-week stay by 20 Pearson recruiters at the Wyndham Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colo. The resort boasts an 18-hole golf course, spectacular views, an indoor pool and fluffy robes.

Dorgan and Wyden said they asked for the investigation after an earlier inquiry was brushed off by TSA chief James Loy. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAMKPB86ID.html