Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a contract to spend more than $170 million on new jets for the U.S. Coast Guard, including a jet that will be used for the secretary’s travel.
The Department of Homeland Security hasfaced criticismCongressional Democrats to enter into contract to build jets amid government shutdown.
Noem rejected it on Monday, noting that the funding had already been appropriated.
“These aircraft are Coast Guard aircraft to replace 25-year-old airplanes that are essential to the Coast Guard’s mission. Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the Big Beautiful bill, and we are grateful we are able to move forward,” he said during a press conference.
Funding for jets came from last-minute line itemput into congressional appropriationsIn May, Democrats began investigating whether Noem already owned a plane — both Noem and the Coast Guard have said it was part of an aging fleet.
House Appropriations Committee Ranking MemberRosa DeLauro(D-Conn.) and Rep.Lauren Underwood(D-Ill.) requested additional information on the purchase Sunday.
“It has come to our attention that, amid the government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to purchase two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the Deputy Secretary, costing the taxpayer $200 million,” DeLauro and Underwood. wrote in a letter,
“It appears that you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG service members who routinely defend this country.”
The letter appeared to point to Noemstay in coast guard housingAfter receiving death threats, the Secretary was living in a residence traditionally reserved for the Coast Guard Commandant.
jet orderThis dwarfs the initial request made by DHS, which asked for $50 million for a new aircraft.
Democrats also blamed Noem for pushing through the order amid the shutdown.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said, “The more than $170 million that Noem is using to buy jets for her luxury travel will help pay a lot of pay checks for the TSA and air traffic controllers.”written on x,
“They must pay essential workers and stop putting themselves before dedicated public servants.”
