U.S. Government car collection reaches 642,233

Who knew the Government were such a bunch of car nuts? The government fleet includes 642,233 owned or leased sedans, SUVs, trucks, limousines and ambulances for over three dozen government agencies. According to the General Services Administration data, the operation of the vehicles (maintenance, leases and fuel) cost tax payers $3.4 billion last year. The government feels they need the cars to operate, while watchdogs feel differently stating that there is a lot of wasteful spending. For instance the driver for Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt earns about $90,000 a year. Government drivers salaries start at $46,000 a year. Many agencies also have cars that are rarely used, being driven once every few months, and the VA had a car disappear several months ago.

Oh and one last fact, none of this includes the Congress’ fleet of cars. Congress does not need to report their annual fleet cost and inventory to the General Services Administration.