U.S. Homeland Security jet purchase draws criticism from Democrats

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under criticism from congressional Democrats following reports that it purchased two business jets worth about 172 million U.S. dollars amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, local media reported on Saturday.

According to public procurement documents cited by The New York Times, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) signed a sole-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace for two G700 aircraft to be used for the Coast Guard's Long-Range Command and Control Aircraft fleet. The planes will reportedly serve DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior officials.

Several Democratic lawmakers questioned the decision and demanded clarification on the source of funding.

"Your first priority should be to organize, train and equip a Coast Guard that is strong enough to meet today's mission requirements. Instead, it appears your first priority is your own comfort," Democratic Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood wrote in a letter to Noem.

"The procurement of new luxury jets for your use suggests that the USCG has been directed to prioritize your own comfort above the USCG's operational needs," the letter added, expressing deep concern about Noem's "judgment, leadership priorities, and responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars."

In response to the controversy, the DHS said on its official X account that "this is a matter of safety and mission readiness. Senior military officials and cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility."

Earlier this year, the USCG requested one jet in its budget at an estimated cost of 50 million dollars. In May, DHS said in a statement that the existing Gulfstream G550 aircraft has been in service for more than 20 years and is now "well beyond operational usage hours for a corporate aircraft." ■