Growls

At least that’s the picture, which emerges from the front-page story in today’s Washington Post about the cost overruns for the new headquarters of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The original price tag for the building was $119.7 million, but has now grown by almost $19 million to $138.5 million at a time the Post says “the agency is considering sharp cuts in the number of new cars, bulletproof vests and other basics it provides agents.” The Post reported the ATF director had “planned to purchase among other things, nearly $300,000 in extras for the new director’s suite, including a $65,000 conference table and more than $100,000 for hardwood floors, custom trim and other items.” In addition, the Post said that “some ATF officials object to the approximately $1 million annual cost of an extensive security detail.” Thankfully, a Senate Appropriations subcommittee is expected to begin examining the cost overruns.