Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a contract to spend more than $170 million on new jets for the U.S. Coast Guard, including one that will be used for the secretary\u2019s travel.<\/p>\n
The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism<\/a> from congressional Democrats for entering into a contract to build the jets amid the government shutdown.<\/p>\n Noem brushed that aside Monday, noting the funding was previously appropriated.<\/p>\n \u201cThese 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,\u201d she said during a press conference.<\/p>\n The funding for the jets came from a last-minute line item inserted into congressional appropriations<\/a> in May, sparking scrutiny from Democrats given that Noem already had a plane \u2014 one both Noem and the Coast Guard have said is part of an aging fleet.<\/p>\n House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) on Sunday requested additional information on the purchase.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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,\u201d DeLauro and Underwood wrote in a letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt appears you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG servicemembers who protect this nation.\u201d<\/p>\n The letter appeared to nod to Noem\u2019s stay in Coast Guard housing<\/a> after she received death threats, with the secretary staying in housing traditionally reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.<\/p>\n