The Treasury Department has announced an audit of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ spending on migrant flights. In a letter to Democratic lawmakers, the agency said it is planning to audit whether spending by DeSantis on migrant flights was improper. Lawmakers had asked whether Florida improperly used American Rescue Plan funds for the migrant flights to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, which drew widespread media attention.
The The Treasury Department inspector general had this to say in the letter:
“As part of its oversight responsibilities for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, The Treasury Office of the Inspector General has audit work planned on recipients’ compliance with eligible use guidance,”
“We will review the allowability of use of [State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund] funds related to immigration generally, and will specifically confirm whether interest earned on SLFRF funds was utilized by Florida related to immigration activities, and if so, what conditions and limitations apply to such use,”
Democratic Senators were outraged by the transport of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in what they called a “publicity stunt” by DeSantis. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., celebrated the announcement Wednesday, taking credit for spurring the Treasury Department into action.
.@USTreasury responded to my letter, confirming that it will investigate @GovRonDeSantis' use of Covid relief funds to cruelly transport immigrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard under false pretenses and without any consideration for their personal dignity or basic needs. https://t.co/dJJllv9Piy
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) October 12, 2022
