McCaskill Says No to Gulf Stream Jet Funding
Three planes included in House Defense Bill for Members of Congress, Senior Military and Cabinet Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following last year’s criticism that Wall Street executives and the CEOs of automobile manufacturers were cavalierly using private jets while their employees suffered, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today criticized the House Appropriations Committee for adding money to buy additional replacement jets that will be dedicated to travel for government executive-level personnel, including Members of Congress.
The planes will belong to the U.S. Air Force. The Committee approved almost $200 million dollars for three Gulfstream 550 jets used by the Air Force to carry Members of Congress, military leaders and top government officials.
The Air Force had only requested funding for one plane to replace part of their aging fleet. The House Appropriations Committee, however, added two additional jets therefore funding three jet purchases. The two additional jets will be designated as part of the D.C. based Air Force fleet, which is frequently used by Members of Congress and top government officials for international travel. They are a slightly-less luxurious version of the Gulfstream G550 and are designed for military use.
