Lame-Ducks Favor "Fact-Finding" Missions.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Expensive trips taken by members of the House Armed Services Committee - Brief Article

It is no big news that members of the House Armed Services Committee and their staffs often travel to foreign destinations on "fact-finding" missions. But these trips happen to be particularly popular among members who are on their way out.

For example, in January 2000, now-retired Rep. Tillie Fowler, R-Fla., went on an Armed Services Committee-sponsored trip to Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Costs--not including food or lodging--totaled $4,145.

Fowler and fellow lame-duck Rep. Owen Pickett, R-Va., went on a fast-paced trip to Europe and the Middle East during the August recess. In two...