Democratic representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood have raised concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security‘s (DHS) acquisition of two Gulfstream jets during a record-long government shutdown. In their letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the representatives called out one $200 million spending spree. They challenged the notion of purchasing costly, complex jets when missions are limited by financial realities.
We wrote last week that Rep. DeLauro and Rep. Underwood sent a letter strongly condemning the United States Coast Guard’s decision. They were especially alarmed by the decision to sign a sole-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. This contract will finally make sure that two new G700 luxury jets are bought. The jets were supposed to be used exclusively by the secretary and deputy secretary of DHS. The representatives stated, “It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard 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 $200m.”
DeLauro and Underwood warned against the precedent justifying broader implications of DHS’s actions. They weren’t afraid to aim their guns at the actual acquisition of these luxury jets. They pointed out that Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski, who managed Donald Trump’s first winning presidential campaign, had arranged for the purchase of ten Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. According to reports, these jets were meant to be used not just in deportation flights but for personal travel!
The DHS’s involvement in acquiring these jets comes in the context of the Trump administration’s controversial deportation policies. Even then, the administration made it difficult by often transferring detained immigrants. Advocates fought back, claiming these moves infringed on their rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. In September, The Guardian covered these wildly controversial and expensive deportation flights. This media coverage showcased the political batteries that would be unleashed on any immigration policy during Trump’s administration.
Given the uncertain fiscal situation, this really raised eyebrows about the use of taxpayer dollars.
The record-long government shutdown illustrated the bipartisan demand for accountability with every dollar that government spends. Freedom of Information activists warn that this kind of opacity undermines public confidence. They are particularly worried that budget constraints might mean cuts to essential services.