1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the recent revelation that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is spending $200 million of taxpayer money on two luxury Gulfstream G700 private jets during a government shutdown. This extravagant purchase is not only a gross misuse of public funds but also a slap in the face to hardworking Americans, especially our servicemembers who are struggling during this shutdown. The timing and nature of this acquisition are particularly troubling. House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and Homeland Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Lauren Underwood have rightly questioned this purchase, noting that it does not align with earlier funding requests made by the Department. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the transparency and integrity of DHS's procurement process. Secretary Noem's actions suggest a pattern of prioritizing personal comfort over the needs of those she serves. Living rent-free in the Commandant's quarters and making frequent appearances at operations that divert resources to her security are further examples of this troubling behavior. These actions, combined with the jet purchase, paint a picture of a public servant more concerned with personal luxury than public service. I urge you to support the efforts of Representatives DeLauro and Underwood in their investigation of this matter. We need a full accounting of the procurement process, funding sources, and approval of this contract. Furthermore, I request that you push for a justification of this purchase given the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on federal employees and services. It is crucial that we hold our public officials accountable, especially those in charge of such critical departments as Homeland Security. The American people deserve leaders who prioritize national security and fiscal responsibility over personal comfort and luxury. I ask that you take immediate action to investigate this matter and ensure that our tax dollars are being used responsibly and in the best interest of our nation's security and well-being.