“The government on Monday defended a top Trump administration health official who sought a reimbursement from taxpayers of $47,000, reportedly including a $5,900 Ivanka Trump-brand pendant, for items stolen during a work-related trip.”
“Seema Verma, who runs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, ultimately received only $2,852.40, according to the Health and Human Services Department.”
“HHS said in a statement that it was ‘perfectly appropriate’ for Verma to file the loss claim, which covered clothing, jewelry and other items in her luggage that were stolen while she was giving a speech in San Francisco in July 2018.”
“The department said she was partially reimbursed under a government policy that provides coverage at a ‘discounted rate’ for certain items based on their age and condition, but it does not reimburse for jewelry…” Read the full article here.
Source: HHS defends Trump appointee over lost jewelry claim – December 9, 2019. PBS NewsHour.
