The White House travel office controversy , often referred to as Travelgate , was the first major scandal of the Clinton administration. It began in May 1993, when seven longtime employees of the White House Travel Office were fired, after a brief investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The White House said the action was due to financial improprieties in the office operation. Critics said the actions were done to allow friends of the Clintons to take over the travel business and that the involvement of the FBI was unwarranted. Heavy media attention forced the White House to reinstate most of the employees in other jobs and remove the Clinton associates from the travel role.

Investigations by the FBI and the Justice Department, the White House itself, the General Accounting Office, the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, and the Whitewater Independent Counsel all took place over the subsequent years. Travel Office Director Billy Dale was charged with embezzlement but found not guilty at trial in 1995. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton gradually came under scrutiny for allegedly having played a central role in the firings and making false statements about her role in it.

In 1998 Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr exonerated President Bill Clinton of any involvement in the matter. In 2000 Independent Counsel Robert Ray issued his final report on Travelgate, stating that Hillary Clinton had made factually false statements but saying there was insufficient evidence to prosecute her.

Last Minute Vacation Package - Expedia
Expedia.com.Book a last minute vacation package at Expedia.Find more choices, flexibility, and savings on last minute vacation package packages.Go with confidence.

Search Last Mintue Deals by Category with Travelocity.com
Book last minute vacations for less with last minute travel deals from Travelocity.

Priceline - Travel Deals
Allows shoppers to name their own price for airline tickets, hotels, home refinancing, new and rental cars, and long distance calls.Includes last minute travel deals, vacation packages, and city guides.

Last Minute Travel Deals - Travelzoo
Search by location or find a list of the latest sales and specials for last minute travel planning.

Hotwire: Travel For Less
With special last-minute deals, featured destinations, and vacation packages..Shop for discounted airline tickets, hotel rooms, cruises, and rental cars