The Department of Homeland Security spends $172 million on
two luxury Gulfstream G700 jets, sparking questions about government spending
and priorities
The jets, which Gulfstream advertised as having "the most spacious cabin in the industry," were purchased for "a matter of safety," according to documents seen by The New York Times
The department's current plane was almost 20 years old and
"well beyond operational usage hours for a corporate aircraft,"
according to the spokesperson's statement.
A single long-range Gulfstream V plane, estimated to cost $50 million, was requested by the US Coast Guard earlier this year in its budget to replace an old Noem jet.
“The avionics are increasingly obsolete, the communications are increasingly unreliable and it’s in need of recapitalization, like much of the rest of the fleet,”
acting commandant of the Coast Guard, Kevin Lunday, said in May.
A new plane was necessary "to give agency leaders secure, dependable, on-demand communications and movement to go forward, visit our operating forces, conduct the missions, and then come back here to Washington and make sure we can work together to get them what they need," he continued.
However, Democrats are claiming that the action is just another instance of Noem's extravagant spending practices at the expense of taxpayers, especially in light of the government shutdown. The source of the funding is still unknown.
In a letter seen by The New York Times, Representatives Lauren Underwood of Illinois, the top Democrat in charge of the state's homeland security panel, and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, requested that Noem "explain the funding source."
“In addition to raising serious questions about your ability to effectively lead an agency whose procurement strategies appear to vary on a whim, the procurement of new luxury jets for your use suggests that the U.S.C.G. has been directed to prioritize your own comfort above the U.S.C.G.’s operational needs, even during a government shutdown,”
they wrote.
“We are deeply concerned about your judgment, leadership priorities, and responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars.”
Earlier this year, Republicans included about $25 billion in new funding for the Coast Guard, including about $2.3 billion for “procurement and acquisition of rotary-wing aircraft.”
Noem's expenditures while serving as governor of South Dakota also garnered notice. In 2021, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader revealed that she had redecorated the governor's residence using $68,000 in public funds. Additionally, the Associated Press reported back in March that Noem's personal and political travel expenses were almost $150,000, which was paid for by South Dakota taxpayers.
What congressional oversight or reviews are planned?
Congressional scrutiny on the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) purchase of a luxury jet, costing taxpayers $172 million, is
likely to be vigorous with multiple House committees preparing to review and
investigate its procurement.
In particular, the Oversight Committee is interested in the economy, efficiency, integrity, and potential waste regarding federal expenditures, indicating that the jet purchase will be reviewed to see whether taxpayer dollars were spent appropriately.
Government hearings, requests for documents, and public
pronouncements from members of Congress are forms of oversight that will be
expected. The use of funds and compliance with federal acquisition regulations
will be a focus of oversight.