1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Department of Homeland Security's reported plans to purchase two private jets for Secretary Kristi Noem's travel, especially during this time of government shutdown. This expenditure, estimated between $172 million and $200 million according to reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post, is not only exorbitant but also poorly timed and potentially unnecessary. While the Coast Guard initially requested one jet in its budget at an estimated cost of $50 million for safety reasons, the current proposal far exceeds this request both in quantity and cost. The discrepancy between the original budget request and the current plan raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility and prioritization of resources within the Department. House Democrats Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood have already voiced their concerns, suggesting that Secretary Noem's comfort is being prioritized over the Coast Guard's actual needs. This perception undermines public trust in our government institutions, particularly during a time when many federal employees are furloughed or working without pay due to the shutdown. I urge you to take immediate action to halt this purchase until the government is fully operational and a thorough review can be conducted. We need to ensure that any aircraft upgrades are truly necessary for safety reasons and not for personal comfort or prestige. The American people deserve transparency and judicious use of taxpayer dollars, especially in times of fiscal constraint. Please investigate this matter and push for a suspension of the jet purchase. Our focus should be on reopening the government and addressing critical needs, not on luxury expenditures for high-ranking officials. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address this issue and protect our nation's resources.