The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a contract for two Gulfstream G700 jets to support official travel by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior DHS and Coast Guard officials, according to procurement records and an agency statement.
The Washington Post reported the deal’s total cost at $200 million, including training, “specialized paint” and “cabin enhancements.” Contract filings reviewed by The Hill list the value at more than $170 million.
Democrats question timing and price tag
House Democrats criticized the purchase as a misuse of taxpayer money during a federal shutdown. Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois called the jets “luxury aircraft” that far exceed earlier requests.
In their letter, DeLauro and Underwood called the award a “sole source contract” for “two new G700 luxury jets” costing taxpayers $200 million. They wrote that “based on the Department’s public statement that you personally sign off on all DHS contracts that exceed $100,000 in value, and prior solicitations indicating that you are a primary user of these aircraft, we assume that you are involved in the approval of this contract,” according to the release.
Coast Guard defends the purchase
The Guard stated that Noem, Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and senior leadership use the aircraft for official travel. It stated that it will replace planes up to 20 years old that encounter “unplanned maintenance issues,” according to The Hill.
Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said the acquisition “underscores the Coast Guard’s vital need to modernize its command and control capabilities to meet today’s rapidly evolving operational demands.”
“As maritime activity increases and national security challenges grow more complex, maintaining reliable air mobility is essential to ensuring continuity of operations and mission success,” Lunday added.
Lawmakers demand oversight
DeLauro and Underwood requested a full accounting of the contract by Oct. 30, including its funding source, justification for bypassing competition and who approved it. The Hill reported Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., called buying “multiple luxury jets for her travel … wholly inappropriate” and said Congress “must investigate.” Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., urged Secretary Noem to “cool your jets and fly commercial.”
