Travels With Alcee: He's a 'Generous Spirit' ... With Your Money

U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings is being questioned by congressional ethics investigators over his handling of travel stipends.

Hastings, D-Miramar, reportedly paid for drinks and gifts for people who traveled with him, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A half-dozen congressmen are under scrutiny for their use of travel stipends, which range from $50 to $250 a day. Lawmakers usually request and receive an additional $50 per day, the Journal reported.

Hastings was not available for comment today, but he told the Journal last spring, "(You are) all concerned about nickels and dimes, and I'm not.You know, in a taxicab in Kazakhstan, I don't have time to get a receipt -- I don't speak Kazakh."

On a trip earlier this year to the Middle East, Hastings said he gave $100 to an Iraqi refugee. "I'm a generous spirit and a courteous spirit. I stand accused," the former impeached federal judge said.

Hastings can afford to be generous, and cocky, these days as he faces a woefully underfunded Republican opponent this fall.

For more on that story, check Sunshine State News later this week. We're hoping Alcee will be in a mood to chat again by then.