Rep. Joe “You Lie” Wilson (R-SC) used the cash the government gave him for his personal lodging, meals and incidentals during an official overseas trips to buy a statue of the statesman who founded Turkey, marble goblets from Afghanistan and flags from various countries with which to decorate his congressional office. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) picked up flowers, candy and wine for ambassadors or other hosts; had custom-made baseball hats for staff and members attending one overseas trip; and gave a $100 bill to an Iraqi refugee at an event in Saudi Arabia.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://talkingpointsmemo.com/?p=116444