Republicans spend thousands in taxpayer dollars on Chick-fil-A

Republicans certainly love their Chick-fil-A.

Expenditure reports filed through July 2014 show that House Republicans spent almost $13,000 in taxpayer money on orders from the fast-food restaurant. Sarah Mimms at the National Journal notes that the amount represents about 3,900 original chicken sandwiches — an impressive feat, since House Republicans only spent $345 on Chick-fil-A during the previous three years.

Apparently, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has Chick-fil-A cater his birthday celebration each year, while the House GOP orders Chick-Fil-A for the Heritage Foundation's monthly "Conversations with Conservatives" series. Mimms reports that "the scent of fried chicken practically permeates the walls of the Capitol." She also notes that GOP spending at the chicken chain has increased dramatically after the company's CEO, Dan Cathy, spoke out against gay marriage.

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Not all Republicans are happy with the fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, though. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told National Journal that the the National Republican Senatorial Committee "always" orders Chick-fil-A. "I don't mind Chick-fil-A every now and again, but you know, here's my deal: I'm really trying to eat healthier. I don't know what they coat that Chick-fil-A stuff in," Murkowski said.