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Senators Hickenlooper, Bennet issue call for transparency on military food spending

Referred to report that claims $151 million meant for food costs was misused.
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COLORADO SPRINGS — A letter signed by 20 lawmakers cites a report which states the Army misused funds meant for food. Among those lawmakers are Colorado Senator's John Hickenlooper (D) and Michael Bennet (D).

According to the letter, all active duty members who live in the barracks receive a basic allowance of subsistence called a BAS payment where roughly $460 a month is withheld from their paychecks to cover the cost of food.

According to the military.com report cited in their letter, these lawmakers say about $151 million withheld from soldiers was not used on food.

"It seems like it's a repetitive meal so, they kind of tend to not go as much from what I've seen," said Sergeant Sgt. Edward Hartman.

Sgt. Hartman said he's served for 10 years.

"My family has been in for generations," he added.

Sgt. Hartman said there are several meal options on base.

"The food on post, it's... pretty good for the most part," said Sgt. Hartman. "Now, the provided restaurants and stuff on posts, it's pretty much staying across the board."

At Sen. Hickenlooper's Virtual Town Hall Wednesday, he did not reference the issue.

"We've received over 1000 questions for this town hall," said Senator Hickenlooper.

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