Posted on 08/07/2009 4:49:16 AM PDT by Zakeet
Congress plans to spend $550 million to buy eight jets, a substantial upgrade to the fleet used by federal officials at a time when lawmakers have criticized the use of corporate jets by companies receiving taxpayer funds.
The purchases will help accommodate growing travel demand by congressional officials. The planes augment a fleet of about two dozen passenger jets maintained by the Air Force for lawmakers, administration officials and military chiefs to fly on government trips in the U.S. and abroad.
The congressional shopping list goes beyond what the Air Force had initially requested as part of its annual appropriations. The Pentagon sought to buy one Gulfstream V and one business-class equivalent of a Boeing 737 to replace aging planes. The Defense Department also asked to buy two additional 737s that were being leased.
Lawmakers in the House last week added funds to buy those planes, and plus funds to buy an additional two 737s and two Gulfstream V planes. The purchases must still be approved by the Senate. The Air Force version of the Gulfstream V each costs $66 million, according to the Department of Defense, and the 737s cost about $70 million.
Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Department of Defense didn't request the additional planes and doesn't need them. "We ask for what we need and only what we need," he told reporters Wednesday. "We've always frowned upon earmarks and additives that are above and beyond what we ask for."
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
i first read that 1 jet was requested and they were granted 3 now i see they are getting 8....wow!!! i guess the answer is low ball what youreally want and be rewarded for being frugal....
These creeps have the nerve to bash corporate executives who pay their own way? These creeps are using taxpayer funds to live a lavish lifestyle. They should be taking coach.
Instead of Chaika Lanes, we will have Chaika Planes...
It’s disgraceful.
Term limits is the only answer to this. Didn’t the original constitution have term limits on it for congress?
Total BS... all of this.
Well, let’s see what’s today.. Oh yes... Unemployment will be 10% and the spin will start....
Obama’s numbers should hit -11 by a week from today.
“be with us scum on commercial.”
I have flown on commercial and business aircraft. I can honestly say First Class is a lot better than coach, and most business aircraft are much better than commercial. I understand the attraction. When I fly on my money - I’m with the rest of my fellow scum in coach.( Unless I get upgraded for free to 1ST Class, which always makes me happy!) If our imperial elected officials want to go in luxury, I have no objections. Just don’t ask me to pay for it.
Obama threatened to veto the defense bill if congress added F-22 aircraft that Obama didn't want. So will he veto the defense bill if congress adds these planes the military doesn't want?
I'd much rather buy more F-22s to defend our country, than these planes to ferry around the people who are destroying our country.
You nailed it. Congress has no regard for anything other than it's own self interest. I have an acquaintance who is fairly high up on the food chain at a large corporation. It amazed me that when he traveled on business, they stocked the jet with donuts and sodas from a discount store. If they stayed overnight, they doubled up in rooms at a budget motel. (Not if they were of the opposite sex or the room only had 1 bed.) His point was twofold - Did it save a lot of money in the big scheme of things? No, but if everyone tried to be frugal where they could, you eventually wind up with big money. Also, it shows that you are trying to be cost conscious to the stockholders, even if the savings are minimal. I only wish our government would do the same. At some point our spending is going to have to be curbed. It would seem to me like eliminating excesses, fraud and waste would be an excellent starting point.---JM
This could be close to House bank scandal level if played right. We get the fist from the TSA they fly with Bambi the hostess and her short skirt while she serves Crystal.
TERM LIMITS !!!
These elitist political thieves have lost all sense of statesmanship. It is a disgrace!
Abolish federal executive and legislative powers and return all political power to the several states. dismantle the beast before it enslaves us...
They hate the Town Halls.
Where are the Dhimicarts going?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.