WASHINGTON–In response to a report that found daytime alcohol consumption, trips to strip clubs and drug use by members of NCUA’s general counsel’s office, the CU trade groups have issued statements calling the allegations a sign of a need for more oversight.
As CUToday.info reported here, a report from the NCUA Office of Inspector General alleges alcohol use, drug use and trips to strip clubs during working hours by members of NCUA’s general counsel’s office.
"Credit unions have long been pushing for change at the NCUA – transparency, accountability, and prudent stewardship of the budget," said NAFCU President Dan Berger. "We are encouraged to hear Chairman Rodney Hood is taking action to put processes in place to ensure this unacceptable behavior stops immediately and does not occur in the future."
CUNA CEO Jim Nussle issued a statement saying, “With early indications of misconduct and workplace harassment detailed in the Office of the Inspector General’s report, to say we are profoundly disappointed is an understatement. While we are reviewing the report to understand the full extent of any such malfeasance, we expect that Chairman (Rodney) Hood is leading the agency to address these issues and improve the culture at NCUA.”
In a separate tweet, Nussle said, “It’s stunning this went on for so long,’ and then later asked on Twitter, referring to an earlier report by the Inspector General of high travel expenses by then NCUA Chairman J. Mark McWatters, “Between $450 dinners, $45 shots of whiskey, marijuana and trips to the strip club…who was in charge over there @TheNCUA: Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen?”