And this surprises who? When Congress wants to "study" something, why do the taxpayers always end up with a bill for what constitutes a vacation?
WASHINGTON -- When 10 members of Congress wanted to study climate change, they did more than just dip their toes into the subject: They went diving and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. They also rode a cable car through the Australian rain forest, visited a penguin rookery and flew to the South Pole.
The 11-day trip -- with six spouses traveling along as well -- took place over New Year's 2008. Details are only now coming to light as part of a Wall Street Journal analysis piecing together the specifics of the excursion.
[From Lawmakers' Global-Warming Trip Hit Tourist Hot Spots - WSJ.com]