Lawmaker calls for contracting probe

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has asked Comptroller General David Walker to launch an investigation of federal contracting processes, following the resignation and arrest of former Office of Federal Procurement Policy Administrator David Safavian.

As chief of staff at the General Services Administration, the position Safavian held when he allegedly lied to GSA officials and obstructed an inspector general investigation -- the crimes he was indicted for -- Safavian "occupied a very powerful position and operated in a position of trust for an agency that oversees all civilian procurement," Van Hollen wrote.

Later, as head of OFPP, Safavian oversaw governmentwide procurement policy, the letter adds.

"The American people have a right to expect that their government officials are conducting the nation's business in a manner that is in the best interests of the people," Van Hollen wrote. "The arrest of Mr. Safavian greatly undermines this notion."

The letter concludes with a call for a Government Accountability Office investigation of "all of the matters where Mr. Safavian became directly or indirectly involved."

Also signing the letter were Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Lane Evans (D-Ill.), William Delahunt (D-Mass.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.).