Republican Sen. Tom Coburn has called for an investigation into wasteful spending practices at the Department of Labor, according to a letter Coburn sent to DOL inspector general Scott Dahl, obtained by The Daily Caller.
Coburn, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, revealed in the letter that DOL allegedly hired a public relations firm with a six-figure no-bid contract to promote DOL’s book club. Coburn also cited other revelations from a recent article by journalist Quin Hillyer, including that “the Department allegedly used funds to hire the mascot of the Washington Nationals” for a centennial celebration.
“One of the alleged wasteful spending practices included a Department book club that was spearheaded by the DOL’s public-affairs senior adviser Carl Fillichio,” Coburn wrote in his letter. “According to Mr. Fillichio, this book club was ‘part of the commemoration of the department’s centennial’ and was put into motion by Secretary Perez. Former Secretaries of Labor works were some of the books recommended to read. Most disturbing, is the allegation that the Department hired an outside public relations firm to promote this book club. My office has been told that a firm, Concept Communications, allegedly received a potential no bid contract to the tune of $100,000 to assist in promoting the Department’s book club.”
“I am requesting that your office investigate each of the issues included in this letter along with any others that may arise during the investigation,” Coburn wrote.