Lawmakers Splurge Taxpayer Money on Extravagant Meals, Report Claims

In a year when Americans struggled to make ends meet, some members of Congress splurged taxpayer money on extravagant meals -- including a $5,380 dinner enjoyed by House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer at a Maryland banquet hall, the Washington Times reported.

The newspaper, citing a newly released report by watchdog.org, reported Monday that Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo racked up the most expensive tab -- $6,090 -- for a single meal with members of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Bordallo, a Democrat, billed the Aug. 11 dinner to taxpayers -- making it the most costly disbursement on food and beverage during the third quarter, according to the newspaper.

Her spokesman, Matthew Mateo, reportedly told the Washington Times that the bill included feeding about 300 guests on the island of Guam in a ballroom overlooking the scenic Tumon Bay.

Hoyer, meanwhile, spent a whopping $5,380 in taxpayer dollars to indulge in chicken cordon bleu, parsleyed red potatoes and green beans for 200 people at Middleton Hall in Maryland's Southern District, the newspaper reported.

A spokeswoman for the Maryland Democrat said Aug. 28 dinner was provided as part of a women's networking fair hosted by Hoyer.

"The event provided an opportunity for women to strengthen their professional opportunities and included a vendor fair, educational speaker and mentoring experience for young professionals," Hoyser spokeswoman Stephanie Lundberg told the newspaper.

"The amount listed includes cost for the venue rental, food and beverage," she said.

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