[House Prints, 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




111th Congress }                                           { Review No.
  1st Session  }        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES           {  10-7960
_______________________________________________________________________

 
                  OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS  

                     UNITED STATES HOUSE OF 

                         REPRESENTATIVES 



                               __________


                        Report and Findings 

                         Transmitted to the 

                  Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 

                         on July 30, 2010 

           and released publicly pursuant to H. Res. 895 of the 

                    110th Congress as amended 



         


                               July 2010  





                                ______

                     U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

   58-391                  WASHINGTON : 2010




OFFICE OF 
CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS 
BOARD 
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS 
DAVID SKAGGS, Chair 
PORTER GOSS, Co-Chair 
YVONNE BURKE 
KAREN ENGLISH 
ALLISON HAYWARD 
JAY EAGEN 
WILLIAM FRENZEL 
ABNER MIKVA 
Leo J. Wise, Chief Counsel & Staff Director Kedric L. Payne, Investigative Counsel 








                              (II) 



                                 REPORT

                           Review No. 10-7960

    The Board of the Office of Congressional Ethics (the 
``Board''), by a vote of no less than four members, on July 23, 
2010, adopted the following report and ordered it to be 
transmitted to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 
of the United States House of Representatives.
    SUBJECT: Representative Alcee L. Hastings
    NATURE OF THE ALLEGED VIOLATION: In 2008, Representative 
Alcee L. Hastings participated in a Congressional Delegation to 
Astana, Kazakhstan. During the trip, he received a travel per 
diem for meals and incidental expenses with an approximate 
value of $1,108.00. Public statements attributed to 
Representative Hastings indicated that he may have used the per 
diem for impermissible purposes. In addition, these public 
statements indicate that he may have used the per diem for 
impermissible purposes during other trips.
    If Representative Hastings' actual meal and incidental 
expenses during foreign travel were less than the per diem 
received and he did not return the excess per diem, he may have 
violated House Rule 10, clause 8 and House Rule 23, clauses 1 
and 2.
    RECOMMENDATION: The Board recommends that the Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct further review the above 
allegations.
    VOTES IN THE AFFIRMATIVE: 6
    VOTES IN THE NEGATIVE: 0
    MEMBER OF THE BOARD OR STAFF DESIGNATED TO PRESENT THIS 
REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT: Leo 
Wise, Staff Director & Chief Counsel.

                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

 I.  INTRODUCTION.................................................... 3
        A. Summary of Allegations................................     4
        B. Jurisdictional Statement..............................     4
        C. Procedural History....................................     4
        D. Summary of Investigative Activity.....................     5
II. THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE THAT REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS 
    RECEIVED PER DIEM IN EXCESS OF HIS ACTUAL MEAL AND INCIDENTAL 
    EXPENSES DURING CERTAIN CODELS AND RETAINED THE EXCESS PER DIEM.. 5
        A. Applicable Law, Rules, and Standards of Conduct.......     5
          1. House Rules.........................................     5
          2. Federal Travel Regulation and Other Guidance........     6
        A. Representative Hastings Made Public Statements 
            Indicating That He May Have Used Per Diem for 
            Impermissible Purposes...............................     7
        B. Representative Hastings' Use of Per Diem for Expenses 
            Other Than Meals and Incidentals Provides Substantial 
            Reason to Believe That He Had Excess Per Diem and He 
            Did Not Return Excess Per Diem.......................     8
        C. Estimates of Representative Hastings' Meal and 
            Incidental Expenses Provide Substantial Reason to 
            Believe That His Excess Per Diem Was More Than a De 
            Minimis Amount for Certain CODELs....................     9
        D. Representative Hastings Did Not Return Any Excess Per 
            Diem for Meals and Incidental Expenses...............     9
          1. CODEL Hastings (Apr 2008)...........................    11
          2. CODEL Hastings (May 2008)...........................    11
          3. CODEL Hastings (Jun 2008)...........................    12
          4. CODELs Hastings and Cardin (Feb 2009)...............    13
          5. CODEL Hastings (Apr 2009)...........................    14
          6. CODEL Hastings (May 2009)...........................    15
          7. CODEL Hastings (July 2009)..........................    16
          8. CODEL Cardin (Oct 2009).............................    17
          9. CODEL Cardin (Feb 2010).............................    18
III.CONCLUSION...................................................... 19

IV. INFORMATION THE OCE WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN........................ 20
                 FINDINGS OF FACT AND CITATIONS TO LAW

                           Review No. 10-7960

    On July 23, 2010, the Board of the Office of Congressional 
Ethics (the ``Board'') adopted the following findings of fact 
and accompanying citations to law, regulations, rules and 
standards of conduct (in italics). The Board notes that these 
findings do not constitute a determination of whether or not a 
violation actually occurred.

                            I. INTRODUCTION

    1. The Rules of the 111th Congress were adopted by the U.S. 
House of Representatives on January 6, 2009. Rule 10, clause 8, 
provides that House Members and staff on official foreign 
travel receive reimbursement for their official expenses at the 
lesser of (1) the applicable per diem; or (2) the actual 
expenses incurred. The Rules of the 110th Congress included the 
identical provision. \1\ By this rule, Members of the House 
imposed on themselves a requirement that per diem in excess of 
actual expenses is to be returned. The Speaker of the House 
recently underscored this requirement and restated the rule 
that ``[a]ny per diem provided to members
or staff is intended to be expended only for official purposes
related to the trip. Excess funds are to be returned to the
Treasury . . . .'' \2\
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    \1\ Rules of the House of Representatives, 111th Cong. Rule X, 
Clause 8, adopted under H. Res. 5, 111th Cong. (January 6, 2009).
    \2\ Letter from the Speaker of the House to House Committee 
Chairmen, dated May 13, 2010 (Exhibit 1 at 10-7960_0002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2. During this Review, various committees which authorize 
foreign travel and the U.S. Department of State all informed 
the Office of Congressional Ethics (``OCE'') that many Members 
and staff use per diem properly, comply with the rule and 
return excess per diem. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 
the House Committee on Armed Services, the Commission Security 
and Cooperation in Europe, and the Bureau of Legislative 
Affairs of the U.S. Department of State each has staff 
responsible for collecting and recording the return of excess 
per diem from Members and staff. According to the officials, 
Members and staff routinely return excess per diem to these 
entities. \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\ Memorandum of Interview of Commission on Security and 
Cooperation in Europe Office Manager, June 3, 2010 (``CSCE Office 
Manager MOI'') (Exhibit 2 at 10-7960_0006); Memorandum of Interview of 
House Committee on Foreign Affairs Travel Coordinator, June 2, 2010 
(Exhibit 3 at 10-7960_0009); and Memorandum of Interview of House Armed 
Services Committee Travel Coordinator, June 8, 2010 (Exhibit 4 at 10-
7960_0014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3. Notwithstanding the rule and the compliance by many 
Members and staff, several Members claimed that it is common 
practice by some to use per diem for purposes other than 
official expenses and to retain excess per diem. While this 
practice may seem to be consistent with the rationale for a per 
diem approach to covering travel expenses without need for 
itemized accounting, it nonetheless appears to be contrary to 
the rule the House adopted and with which many Members 
evidently do comply. The Board determined that fairness 
dictates upholding the standard stated in the rule and adhered 
to by many, rather than excusing a practice of noncompliance, 
however pervasive.
    4. Representative Hastings acknowledged publically before 
the commencement of the OCE's Review that he used per diem for 
expenses other than meals and incidentals. \4\ During the 
Review, he acknowledged that he used per diem for expenses 
other than meals and incidentals, which suggests that he had 
excess per diem. \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\ Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam, ``Lawmakers Keep the Change,'' 
The Wall St. J. (March 2, 2010) (Exhibit 5 at 10-7960_0018).
    \5\ Memorandum of Interview of Representative Alcee L. Hastings 
(``Hastings MOI'') (Exhibit 6 at 10-7960_0021-0025);
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       A. SUMMARY OF ALLEGATIONS

    5. Based on the information presented before the Office of 
Congressional Ethics (``OCE''), there is substantial reason to 
believe that Representative Alcee L. Hastings may have violated 
House Rule 10, clause 8 and House Rule 23, clauses 1 and 2 by 
retaining excess per diem when his actual meal and incidental 
expenses were less than the per diem that he received during 
various Congressional Delegation trips (``CODELs'').

                      B. JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT

    6. The allegations that were the subject of this Review 
concern Representative Hastings, a Member of the United States 
House of Representatives from the 23rd District of Florida. The 
Resolution the United States House of Representatives adopted 
creating the OCE directs that, ``[n]o review shall be 
undertaken . . . by the board of any alleged violation that 
occurred before the date of adoption of this resolution.'' The 
House adopted this Resolution on March 11, 2008. The conduct 
under Review occurred after March 11, 2008.

                         C. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

    7. The OCE received a written request for a preliminary 
Review in this matter signed by at least two members of the 
Board on April 12, 2010. The preliminary Review commenced on 
April 13, 2010. The preliminary Review was scheduled to end on 
May 13, 2010.
    8. At least three members of the Board voted to initiate a 
second-phase Review in this matter on May 11, 2010. The second 
phase Review commenced on May 14, 2010. \6\ The second-phase 
Review was scheduled to end on June 28, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \6\ According to the Resolution, the Board must vote on whether to 
conduct a second-phase Review in a matter before the expiration of the 
30-day preliminary Review. If the Board votes for a second-phase, the 
second-phase begins when the preliminary Review ends. The second-phase 
Review does not begin on the date of the Board vote.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    9. The Board voted to extend the 45-day second-phase Review 
by an additional 14 days on June 21, 2010, as provided for 
under H. Res 895. Following the extension, the second-phase 
Review was scheduled to end on July 12, 2010. \7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \7\ Id. at Sec. 1(c)(2)(A)(ii) (2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    10. Representative Hastings submitted a written statement 
to the Board, under Rule 9(B) of the OCE's Rules for the 
Conduct of Investigations, on July 20, 2010. \8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \8\ Letter from Representative Alcee L. Hastings to the Board of 
the Office of Congressional Ethics, dated July 20, 2010 (Exhibit 7 at 
10-7960_0027-0028).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    11. The Board voted to refer the matter to the Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct for further Review and adopted 
these findings on July 23, 2010.
    12. This report and findings in this matter were 
transmitted to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 
on July 30, 2010.

                  D. SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITY

    13. The OCE requested documentary and testimonial 
information from the following sources:
          (1) Representative Hastings;
          (2) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe 
        (``CSCE'');
          (3) CSCE Office Manager;
          (4) House Committee on Foreign Affairs;
          (5) House Committee on Foreign Affairs Travel 
        Coordinator;
          (6) House Committee on Armed Services;
          (7) House Committee on Armed Services Travel 
        Coordinator;
          (8) Bureau of Legislative Affairs of the United 
        States Department of State; and
          (9) United States Air Force Congressional Liaison 
        Office.

II. THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE THAT REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS 
RECEIVED PER DIEM IN EXCESS OF HIS ACTUAL MEAL AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES 
         DURING CERTAIN CODELS AND RETAINED THE EXCESS PER DIEM

    14. The Board recognizes that the per diem rule contained 
in House Rule 10, clause 8 is under the jurisdiction of the 
House Committee on Rules.
    15. Based on the facts presented before the Board, the 
allegations in this Review also implicate House Rule 23, 
clauses 1 and 2, which are under the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
    16. Regardless of which committee the House determines to 
appropriately address these issues, the OCE has jurisdiction to 
Review alleged violations of ``any law, rule, regulation, or 
other standard of conduct applicable to the conduct of [a] 
Member, officer, or employee in the performance of his duties 
or the discharge of his responsibilities.'' \9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \9\ H. Res. 895, 110th Cong., Section 1(c)(1)(A) (2008) (as 
amended).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           A. APPLICABLE LAW, RULES, AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

                             1. HOUSE RULES

    17. Pursuant to House Rule 10, clause 8(b):
      ``The following conditions shall apply with respect to 
travel outside the United States or its territories or 
possessions . . . (2) A member or employee shall be reimbursed 
for the expenses of such individual for a day at the lesser 
of--
      (A) the per diem set forth in applicable Federal law; or
      (B) the actual, unreimbursed expenses (other than for 
transportation) incurred during that day.''
    18. Pursuant to House Rule 23, clause 2:
      ``A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or 
employee of the House shall adhere to the spirit and the letter 
of the Rules of the House and to the rules of duly constituted 
committees thereof.''
    19. Pursuant to House Rule 23, clause 1:
      ``A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or 
employee of the House shall conduct himself at all times in a 
manner that shall reflect credibility on the House.''

            2. FEDERAL TRAVEL REGULATION AND OTHER GUIDANCE

    20. House Rule 10, clause 8(b), incorporates by reference 
Federal law governing the use of per diem. Specifically, Public 
Law 95-384 governs per diem provided to congressional 
travelers. Per diem rates are established under 5 U.S.C. 
Sec. 5702 and the Federal Travel Regulation, 41 C.F.R. chs. 
300-304.
    21. The ``per diem allowance (also referred to as 
subsistence allowance) is a daily payment instead of 
reimbursement for actual expenses for lodging, meals, and 
related incidental expenses. The per diem allowance is separate 
from transportation expenses and other miscellaneous 
expenses.'' \10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \10\ 41 C.F.R. Sec. 300-3.1 (emphasis added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    22. Lodging expenses include ``expenses, except lodging 
taxes in the United States, for overnight sleeping facilities, 
baths, personal use of the room during daytime, telephone 
access fee, and service charges for fans, air conditioners, 
heaters, and fires furnished in the room when such charges are 
not included in the room rate.'' \11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \11\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    23. Meal expenses are ``expenses for breakfast, lunch, 
dinner and related tips and taxes (specifically excluded are 
alcoholic beverage and entertainment expenses, and any expenses 
incurred for other persons).'' \12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    24. Incidental expenses are ``(1) Fees and tips given to 
porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, stewards or 
stewardesses and others on ships, and hotel servants in foreign 
countries; (2) Transportation between places of lodging or 
business and places where meals are taken, if suitable meals 
cannot be obtained at the TDY site; and (3) Mailing cost 
associated with filing travel vouchers and payment of 
Government sponsored charge card billings.'' \13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \13\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    25. ``Per Diem consists of two components: the lodging rate 
and the M&IE. Per diem rates are established by the Department 
of State for foreign cities. The foreign per diem rates are 
established monthly by the Department of State based on actual 
reported costs of hotel, meals and incidental expenses in 
individual cities around the world. Therefore, routine expenses 
are usually well within the per diem rates and it is sufficient 
to authorize per diem payments based on those rates.'' \14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \14\ United States Department of State Bureau of Legislative 
Affairs, Official Foreign Travel Guide for the U.S. Congress. (Exhibit 
8 at 10-7960_0030-049).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    26. Under the Federal Travel Regulation, the allocation of 
meals and incidental expenses (``M&IE'') rates that are used in 
making deductions from the M&IE are as follows: 15% for 
breakfast, 25% for lunch, 40% for dinner, and the remainder for 
incidental expenses. For example, if the M&IE for a specific 
city was $100 per day, it was allocated as $15 for breakfast, 
$25 for lunch, $40 for dinner, and $20 for incidental expenses. 
\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \15\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301, App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    27. According to The United States Department of State 
Bureau of Legislative Affairs Official Foreign Travel Guide 
published for the U.S. Congress, Members are advised the 
following:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T8391.001


    28. The House has adopted a general rule for all committees 
that per diem allowance (the set rates) in excess of actual 
expenses may not be retained. \16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \16\ House Rule 10, clause 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 A. REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS MADE PUBLIC STATEMENTS INDICATING THAT HE 
           MAY HAVE USED PER DIEM FOR IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES

    29. On March 2, 2010, the Wall Street Journal published an 
article entitled ``Lawmakers Keep the Change.'' \17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \17\ Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam, ``Lawmakers Keep the Change,'' 
The Wall St. J. (March 2, 2010) (Exhibit 5 at 10-7960_0018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    30. In that article, Representative Hastings' statements 
indicated that he may have used per diem that he received 
during CODELs for impermissible purposes.
    31. According to the article: ``Mr. Hastings said he 
sometimes used the extra taxpayer money to buy gifts, meals or 
drinks for military pilots, security officials and interpreters 
who travel with him. On a trip earlier this year to the Middle 
East, Mr. Hastings gave $100 to an Iraqi refugee, he said.'' 
\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \18\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    32. The article further quotes Representative Hastings as 
saying: ``I'm a generous spirit and a courteous spirit . . . I 
stand accused.'' \19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \19\ Id.
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    33. In an interview with the OCE, Representative Hastings 
confirmed that he made these statements. \20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \20\ Hastings MOI (Exhibit 6 10-7960_0024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

  B. REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS' USE OF PER DIEM FOR EXPENSES OTHER THAN 
 MEALS AND INCIDENTALS PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HE 
       HAD EXCESS PER DIEM AND HE DID NOT RETURN EXCESS PER DIEM

    34. Representative Hastings used per diem for expenses 
other than his personal lodging, meals, and incidentals.
    35. Representative Hastings told the OCE that he used per 
diem to purchase meals for others attending trips, including 
advisors and staff. \21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \21\ Id. at 10-7960-0022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    36. The Federal Travel Regulation defines ``incidental 
expenses'' as ``(1) Fees and tips given to porters, baggage 
carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, stewards or stewardesses and 
others on ships, and hotel servants in foreign countries; (2) 
Transportation between places of lodging or business and places 
where meals are taken, if suitable meals cannot be obtained at 
the TDY site; and (3) Mailing cost associated with filing 
travel vouchers and payment of Government sponsored charge card 
billings.'' \22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \22\ 41 C.F.R. Sec. 300-3.1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    37. Representative Hastings characterizes ``incidental 
expenses'' as those expenses that he would customarily incur if 
he were on personal travel. \23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \23\ Hastings MOI (Exhibit 6 10-7960_0024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    38. He purchases gifts with the per diem for various 
individuals attending the trips. For example, he takes gifts 
such as flowers, candy, or wine to the homes of ambassadors or 
other hosts. He has also purchased neckties for the pilots of a 
military plane on which he traveled and did not retain receipts 
for such expenses. \24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \24\ Id. at 10-7960_0024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39. Representative Hastings used the per diem to purchase 
souvenirs for staff. The souvenirs generally consist of such 
things as baseball caps, magnets, can openers, and thimbles. He 
does not buy souvenirs for himself, his family, or his 
constituents. \25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \25\ Id. at 10-7960_0024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    40. Prior to one trip, Representative Hastings purchased 
baseball caps in the United States that were customized for the 
trip. The caps were for the staff and Members who were going to 
attend the trip. He later used the per diem to reimburse 
himself for this expense, which was approximately $425.00. \26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \26\ Id. at 10-7960_0024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    41. During a CODEL to Saudi Arabia in 2010, Iraqi refugees 
attended an official event and told the audience about their 
struggles. One refugee described numerous tragedies that he 
endured and Representative Hastings presented him with a $100 
bill. He is not sure if the money was his personal money or 
from his per diem. \27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \27\ Id. at 10-7960_0024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    42. Representative Hastings' use of the per diem for 
purposes other than his personal meals and incidental expenses 
suggests that his actual meal and incidental expenses were less 
than the per diem that he received.
    43. As a result, there is substantial reason to believe 
that Representative Hastings had excess per diem for certain 
CODELs.

 C. ESTIMATES OF REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS' MEAL AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES 
PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HIS EXCESS PER DIEM WAS MORE 
              THAN A DE MINIMIS AMOUNT FOR CERTAIN CODELS

    44. Representative Hastings told the OCE that he did not 
keep a complete record of expenses that he incurred on CODELs 
that he attended during the time period from March 2008 to May 
2010. \28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \28\ Id. at 10-7960_0021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    45. Based on the information before the OCE, the exact 
amount of his meal and incidental expenses for each CODEL is 
unknown.
    46. Consequently, the OCE must use an estimate of expenses 
to determine whether it appears that Representative Hastings 
retained excess per diem that was more than a de minimis 
amount.
    47. The OCE Board notes that the sole purpose of the 
estimated meal and incidental expenses is to determine if there 
is substantial reason to believe that the Member had excess per 
diem that was more than a de minimis amount. The estimates are 
not intended to be used to conclude the exact amount of any 
excess per diem that the Member may have retained.
    48. Without the use of an estimate, a House Member or staff 
could impede the enforcement of Rule 10, clause 8, by simply 
not maintaining any records of his or her actual expenses.

D. REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS DID NOT RETURN ANY EXCESS PER DIEM FOR MEALS 
                        AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES

    49. Representative Hastings told the OCE that he has not 
returned any excess per diem to the U.S. Treasury. He explained 
that his per diem does not cover all of the expenses that he 
incurs. \29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \29\ Id. at 10-7960_0023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    50. Representative Hastings told the OCE that he had 
foreign currency from the per diem when ending certain CODELs, 
but he was not certain of the amount of the currency that was 
per diem and the amount that was his personal money. \30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \30\ Id. at 10-7960_0023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    51. Procedures were in place at the time of Representative 
Hastings's travel for him to return any excess per diem.
    52. The relevant CODELs that Representative Hastings 
attended were all organized by the Commission on Security and 
Cooperation in Europe (``CSCE'').
    53. The Office Manager of the CSCE is responsible for 
reporting the amount of per diem that Members received and 
recording any excess per diem that Members of Congress or staff 
returned. He told the OCE that he had received excess per diem 
from Representatives and staff for various CODELs, which was 
returned to him by checks made payable to the U.S. Treasury. 
\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \31\ CSCE Office Manager MOI (Exhibit 2 at 10-7960_0005).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    54. The Office Manager forwards the checks to a specific 
person at the U.S. Department of State who is responsible for 
receiving returns of excess per diem. \32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \32\ Id. at 10-7960_0005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    55. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for certain CODELs 
and he did not return per diem, even when there were procedures 
in place for him to return the per diem.
    56. Although, the available evidence does not establish the 
exact amount of actual expenses for Representative Hastings's 
CODELs, after estimating meal and incidental expenses, there is 
substantial reason to believe that Representative Hastings 
retained excess per diem from the following CODELs:

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Summary of Estimated Excess Per Diem
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL                                             DATE      M&IE Per Diem          Estimated          Estimated
                                                                     \33\      Expenses \34\    Excess Per Diem
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to Denmark                    Apr 12 to            $696.00           $568.00           $128.00
                                          Apr 15, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to Denmark, Russia,           May 23 to          $1,429.00         $1,162.00           $267.00
Finland, and Austria                      May 31, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to United Kingdom,            Jun 28 to          $1,108.00         ; $649.00           $459.00
Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Italy            Jul 3, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to London and                 Feb 15 to          $1,140.00           $654.00           $486.00
CODEL Cardin to Austria                   Feb 21, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to Portugal                   Apr 18 to            $462.00           $301.00           $161.00
                                          Apr 20, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to Ireland                    May 25 to            $872.00           $665.00           $207.00
                                          May 29, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Hastings to Albania and                Jun 26 to            $734.00           $381.00           $353.00
CODEL Cardin to Lithuania                  Jul 3, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Cardin to Greece                        Oct 9 to            $606.00           $261.00           $345.00
                                          Oct 12, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODEL Cardin to Austria                      Feb 12 to            $654.00           $249.00           $405.00
                                          Feb 20, 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                           $7,701.00         $4,890.00         $2,811.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \33\ M&IE Per Diem calculated using travel itineraries; the monthly 
per diem rates established by the Office of Allowances, United Sates 
Department of State; and where applicable, travel vouchers and travel 
authorization letters.
    \34\ Estimated expenses were calculated using the ``Allocation of 
M&IE Rates to be Used in Making Deductions from the M&IE Allowance,'' 
which lists the amount of per diem expected to be allocated for 
breakfast, lunch, dinner, and incidentals. 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      1. CODEL HASTINGS (APR 2008)

    57. During CODEL Hastings to Denmark Representative 
Hastings received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental 
expenses in the amount of $696.00. \35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \35\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (April 12 to April 15, 2009) 
(Exhibit 9 at 10-7960_0051-0052); monthly per diem rates established by 
the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    58. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least two meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \36\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (April 12 to April 15, 2009) 
(Exhibit 9 at 10-7960_0051-0052)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    59. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \37\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    60. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $568.00.
    61. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $ 128.00

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Codel Hastings to Denmark
                                          (April 12 to April 15, 2008)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals &                                         Apr 12             Apr 13             Apr 14             Apr 15
Incidentals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                         $35               $35             Hosted              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                             $58               $58               $58                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                            $93             Hosted               $93                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                       $46               $46               $46              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                           $696.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                          $568.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                              $128.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    62. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
(Apr 2008) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                      2. CODEL HASTINGS (MAY 2008)

    63. During CODEL Hastings to Denmark, Russia, Finland, and 
Austria, Representative Hastings received an enhanced per diem 
for meals and incidental expenses in the amount of $1,429.00. 
\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \38\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (May 23 to May 31, 2008) 
(Exhibit 10 at 10-7960_0054-0057); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    64. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least four meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \39\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (May 23 to May 31, 2008) (Exhibit 
10 at 10-7960_0054-0057).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    65. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \40\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \40\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    66. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $1,162.00.
    67. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $267.00.

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Codel Hastings to Denmark, Russia, Finland, and Austria
                                                                (May 23 to May 31, 2008)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals & Incidentals                                  May 24       May 25       May 26       May 27       May 28       May 29       May 30         May 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                              $35         $24         $24         $32         $33         $33         $33          $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                                  $58         $40       Hosted       Hosted         $55         $55         $55            ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                                 $93         $65         $65       Hosted         $89         $89       Hosted            ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                            $46         $32         $32         $42         $44         $44         $44          $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                                                                  $1,429.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                                                                 $1,162.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                                                                       $267.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    68. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
(May 2008) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                      3. CODEL HASTINGS (JUN 2008)

    69. During CODEL Hastings to the United Kingdom, 
Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Italy, Representative Hastings 
received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental expenses 
in the amount of $1,108.00. \41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \41\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (June 28 to July 3, 2008) 
(Exhibit 11 at 10-7960_0058-0067); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    70. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least eight meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \42\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (June 28 to July 3, 2008) 
(Exhibit 11 at 10-7960_0058-0067).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    71. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \43\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \43\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    72. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $649.00.
    73. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $459.00.

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Codel Hastings to the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Italy
                                                                (June 28 to July 3, 2008)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals &                                                             Jun 27       Jun 28       Jun 29       Jun 30        Jul 1        Jul 2        Jul 3
Incidentals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                                             $35         $24       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted         $19        $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                                                 $58         $39         $39       Hosted       Hosted         $32          ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                                                $92         $63       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted         $52          ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                                           $46         $31         $31         $31         $31         $26        $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                                                                   $1108.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated M&IE                                                                                                                                  $649.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                                                                       $459.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    74. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
(Jun 2008) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                4. CODELS HASTINGS AND CARDIN (FEB 2009)

    75. During to CODEL Hastings and CODEL Cardin to London and 
Austria from February 15 to 21, 2009, Representative Hastings 
received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental expenses 
in the amount of $1,140.00. \44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \44\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (February 15 to February 21, 
2009) (Exhibit 12 at 10-7960_0069-0077); monthly per diem rates 
established by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of 
State .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    76. According to the CODELs' it ineraries, at least eleven 
meals appear to have been provided at no cost to the 
Representatives who attended the CODELs. \45\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \45\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (February 15 to February 21, 
2009) (Exhibit 12 at 10-7960_0069-0077).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    77. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \46\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    78. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $654.00.
    79. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $486.00.

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Codel Hastings to the United Kingdom and Codel Cardin to Austria
                                                           (February 15 to February 21, 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals & Incidentals                                                 Feb 15       Feb 16       Feb 17       Feb 18       Feb 19       Feb 20       Feb 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                                             $27       Hosted       Hosted         $30       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                                                 $45       Hosted       Hosted         $50       Hosted         $50          ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                                                $72       Hosted         $72         $80       Hosted       Hosted          ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                                           $36         $36         $36         $40         $40         $40        $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                                                                   $1140.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated M&IE                                                                                                                                  $654.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                                                                       $486.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    80. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
and Cardin (Feb 2009) that he did not return to the U.S. 
Treasury.

                      5. CODEL HASTINGS (APR 2009)

    81. During CODEL Hastings to Portugal, Representative 
Hastings received a an enhanced per diem for meals and 
incidental expenses in the amount of $462.00. \47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \47\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (April 18 to April 20, 2009) 
(Exhibit 13 at 10-7960_0079-0080); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    82. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least three meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \48\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (April 18 to April 20, 2009) 
(Exhibit 13 at 10-7960_0079-0080).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    83. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \49\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    84. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $301.00.
    85. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $161.00.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Codel Hastings to Portugal
                                          (April 18 to April 20, 2009)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals & Incidentals                             Apr 18             Apr 19             Apr 20             Apr 21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                         $23               $23               $23              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                             $39               $39             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                            $61             Hosted             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                       $31               $31               $31              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                           $462.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                          $301.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                              $161.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    86. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
(Apr 2009) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                      6. CODEL HASTINGS (MAY 2009)

    87. During CODEL Hastings to Ireland, Representative 
Hastings received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental 
expenses in the amount of $872.00. \50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \50\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (May 25 to May 29, 2009) 
(Exhibit 14 at 10-7960_0082-0089); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    88. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least three meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \51\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \51\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (May 25 to May 29, 2009) (Exhibit 
14 at 10-7960_0082-0089).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    89. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \52\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    90. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $665.00.
    91. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $207.00.

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Codel Hastings to Ireland
                                                                (May 25 to May 29, 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals & Incidentals                                                  May 25             May 26             May 27             May 28             May 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                                              $33               $33               $33             Hosted              $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                                                  $55               $55               $55               $55                ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                                                 $87               $87             Hosted             Hosted                ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                                            $43               $43               $43               $43              $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                                                                   $872.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated M&IE                                                                                                                                 $665.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                                                                      $207.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    92. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
(May 2009) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                     7. CODEL HASTINGS (JULY 2009)

    93. During CODEL Hastings to Albania and CODEL Cardin to 
Lithuania from June 26 to July 3, 2009, Representative Hastings 
received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental expenses 
in the amount of $734.00. \53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \53\ See Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (June 26 to July 3, 2009) 
(Exhibit 15 at 10-7960_0091-0100); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    94. According to the CODELs' itineraries, at least fourteen 
meals appear to have been provided at no cost to the 
Representatives who attended the CODELs. \54\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \54\ Itinerary for CODEL Hastings (June 26 to July 3, 2009) 
(Exhibit 15 at 10-7960_0091-0100).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    95. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \55\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    96. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $381.00.
    97. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $353.00.

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Codel Hastings to Albania and Codel Cardin to Lithuania
                                                                (June 26 to July 3, 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals & Incidentals                                  Jun 26       Jun 27       Jun 28       Jun 29       Jun 30        Jul 1        Jul 2          Jul 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                              $15       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted         Hosted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                                  $25       Hosted         $25         $27       Hosted       Hosted         $27            ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                                 $39         $39         $39       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted       Hosted            ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                            $19         $19         $19         $22         $22         $22         $22          $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                                                                    $734.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                                                                   $381.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                                                                       $353.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    98. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Hastings 
and CODEL Cardin (Jun 2009) that he did not return to the U.S. 
Treasury.

                       8. CODEL CARDIN (OCT 2009)

    99. During CODEL Cardin to Greece, Representative Hastings 
received an enhanced per diem for meals and incidental expenses 
in the amount of $606.00. \56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \56\ See Itinerary for CODEL Cardin (October 9 to October 12, 2009) 
(Exhibit 16 at 10-7960_0102-0107); monthly per diem rates established 
by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of State 
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    100. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least five meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \57\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \57\ Itinerary for CODEL Cardin (October 9 to October 12, 2009) 
(Exhibit 16 at 10-7960_0102-0107).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    101. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \58\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    102. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $261.00.
    103. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $345.00.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Codel Cardin to Greece
                                         (October 9 to October 12, 2009)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals &                                         DOct 9             Oct 10             Oct 11             Oct 12
Incidentals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                         $30               $30               $30              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                           Hosted               $51             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                          Hosted             Hosted             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                       $40               $40               $40              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                           $606.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                          $261.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                              $345.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    104. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Cardin 
(Oct 2009) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                       9. CODEL CARDIN (FEB 2010)

    105. During CODEL to Austria, Representative Hastings 
received per diem for meals and incidental expenses in the 
amount of $654.00. \59\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \59\ See Itinerary for CODEL Cardin (February 12 to February 20, 
2010) (Exhibit 17 at 10-7960_0109-0120); monthly per diem rates 
established by the Office of Allowances, United States Department of 
State .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    106. According to the CODEL itinerary, at least eight meals 
appear to have been provided at no cost to the Representatives 
who attended the CODEL. \60\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \60\ Itinerary for CODEL Cardin (February 12 to February 20, 2010) 
(Exhibit 17 at 10-7960_0109-0120).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    107. Representative Hastings' meal and incidental expenses 
that were incurred are estimated based on the Federal Travel 
Regulations allocation formula. \61\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \61\ 41 C.F.R. ch. 301 App. B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    108. The estimated amount of meals and incidental expenses 
is $249.00.
    109. Accordingly, the estimated excess per diem is $405.00.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Codel Cardin to Austria
                                       (February 12 to February 20, 2010)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meals &                                         Feb 17             Feb 18             Feb 19             Feb 20
Incidentals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast                                         $33             Hosted             Hosted             Hosted
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch                                           Hosted             Hosted             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner                                            $87             Hosted             Hosted                ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidentals                                       $43               $43               $43              $0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M&IE Received                                                                                           $654.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated for Additional M&IE                                                                          $249.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Excess Per Diem                                                                              $405.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    110. There is substantial reason to believe that 
Representative Hastings had excess per diem for CODEL Cardin 
(Feb 2010) that he did not return to the U.S. Treasury.

                            III. CONCLUSION

    111. Pursuant to House Rule 10, clause 8, House Members 
imposed on themselves a restriction on the use of per diem for 
foreign travel. Specifically, House Members and staff may 
receive reimbursement for expenses that is the lesser of: (1) 
the applicable per diem; or (2) actual expenses.
    112. Pursuant to House Rule 23, clause 2, House Members 
must adhere to the spirit and the letter of the rules. 
Accordingly, House Rule 10, clause 8, requires the return to 
the U.S. Treasury of any per diem that a Member receives that 
is in excess of the Member's actual expenses.
    113. Pursuant to House Rule 23, clause 1, House Members 
must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that shall 
reflect credibility on the House. Representative Hastings's 
public statements indicate that he may have retained excess per 
diem. As a result, if there is a violation, it implicates House 
Rule 23, clause 1 because it may be considered flagrant. \62\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \62\ House Ethics Manual (2008) at 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    114. Based on the information available to the OCE during 
this Review, Representative Hastings's meals and incidental 
expenses were less than the per diem he received to cover these 
expenses during the following CODELs: CODEL Hastings (April 
2008); CODEL Hastings (May 2008); CODEL Hastings (June 2008); 
CODEL Hastings (February 2009); CODEL Hastings (April 2009); 
CODEL Hastings (May 2009); CODEL Hastings (June 2009); CODEL 
Cardin (October 2009); and CODEL Cardin (February 2010).
    115. Based on the information available to the OCE during 
this Review, Representative Hastings did not return any excess 
per diem for meal and incidental expenses. Therefore, there is 
substantial reason to believe that he may have violated House 
Rule 10, clause 8; House Rule 23, clauses 1 and 2.
    116. For these reasons, the Board recommends that the 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further Review the 
above described allegations concerning Representative Hastings.

              IV. INFORMATION THE OCE WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN

    117. The OCE requested information from the U.S. Department 
of State concerning letters of authorization for certain CODELs 
and records of Representative Hastings returning excess per 
diem. The U.S. Department of State was cooperative with 
retrieving the information but was unable to acquire proper 
authorization to release the documents to the OCE before the 
end of this Review.
    118. The OCE requested information from the U.S. Air Force 
Congressional Liaison Office concerning meal and other expenses 
incurred on behalf of Representative Hastings and reimbursed by 
Representative Hastings. The U.S. Air Force Congressional 
Liaison Office was cooperative with discussing the information 
with OCE staff but was unable to acquire proper authorization 
to release the documents to the OCE before the end of this 
Review.





