Expenses of FDA Chief Scrutinized

For five years, Food and Drug Administration chief David A. Kessler submitted expense accounts riddled with nickel-and-dime charges in his favor, a review of records shows. Kessler insisted that the errors were unintentional and said he has written an $850 check to cover anything he owes to the government. The Associated Press reviewed about $17,377 in federal reimbursements that Kessler claimed from 1990 through 1995. More than a third was for cab fares for which he had no receipts. Many of the fares exceeded actual costs. In addition, Kessler was reimbursed for two hotel rooms that had been paid in part or in full by others. He said was unaware of those payments.