Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem defended a contract to spend greater than $170 million on new jets for the U.S. Coast Guard, together with one which might be used for the secretary’s journey.
The Division of Homeland Safety has confronted criticism from congressional Democrats for getting into right into a contract to construct the jets amid the federal government shutdown.
Noem brushed that apart Monday, noting the funding was beforehand appropriated.
“These aircraft are Coast Guard aircraft to replace 25-year-old airplanes that are necessary for the mission of the Coast Guard. Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the ‘big, beautiful bill,’ and we’re grateful that we’re able to move forward,” she mentioned throughout a press convention.
The funding for the jets got here from a last-minute line merchandise inserted into congressional appropriations in Could, sparking scrutiny from Democrats provided that Noem already had a airplane — one each Noem and the Coast Guard have mentioned is a part of an growing old fleet.
Home Appropriations Committee rating member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ailing.) on Sunday requested extra data on the acquisition.
“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the Deputy Secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200 million,” DeLauro and Underwood wrote in a letter.
“It appears you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG servicemembers who protect this nation.”
The letter appeared to nod to Noem’s keep in Coast Guard housing after she acquired loss of life threats, with the secretary staying in housing historically reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.
The jet order tremendously surpassed the preliminary request made by DHS, which requested for $50 million for a brand new airplane.
Democrats additionally faulted Noem for shifting forward with the order amid the shutdown.
“The more than $170 million Sec. Noem is using to buy jets for her luxury travel would help fund a lot of pay checks for TSA & air traffic controllers,” Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote on X.
“She should pay essential workers & stop putting herself before dedicated public servants.”
