Grapevine: You think your gas prices are expensive?

Defense Department spent $43 million to build a gas station in Afghanistan

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine…

Gas Money

You think your gas prices are expensive?

An Inspector General's report shows the Defense Department spent $43 million --to build a gas station in Afghanistan -- that should have cost a half million bucks.

The compressed natural gas fill station -- was a bit pricey for Afghans, too.

The cost of converting a car to run on CNG is $700.

The average annual income is $690.

The Pentagon is refusing to comment.

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan -- says he has never seen the DOD clam up -- and disavow any knowledge of a program -- until now.

Hurry Up And Wait

The best way to get something done is to begin.

That's solid procrastination advice for doing your homework or cleaning your room -- but filling a presidential appointee?

The position of vice chairman for supervision of the Federal Reserve -- was created in 2010.

President Obama has yet to fill the job -- which is intended to hold the Federal Reserve accountable.

Fed chair Janet Yellen will testify in front of the House Financial Services Committee Wednesday to talk about the vacancy.

Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling is calling the situation -- unacceptable.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Finally -- no good deed goes unpunished.

Even a potentially life-saving one.

A New York EMT is suspended without pay -- after trying to a save a 7-year-old girl from choking.

The ambulance company policy is -- to stop only when called.

Qwasi Reid was transporting a nursing home patient when he was flagged down by a man at a traffic light -- who told him of the choking girl.

Even after his partner urged against it -- Reid left the vehicle to administer first aid.

Reid says -- quote --

"I don't regret it. I'd do it again. If I know there's a child choking -- I'm going to do my best to help her."