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"Democrat Concerns Mount Over DHS's Lavish Spending on Private Jets for Kristi Noem"
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under fire from Democrats after it emerged that the agency has purchased two Gulfstream private jets, which are set to cost taxpayers a staggering $172 million. The jets were acquired at a time when some critical resources have been delayed in reaching areas affected by disasters due to bureaucratic red tape imposed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem had previously required all DHS personnel to obtain her personal approval on spending exceeding $100,000. However, the practice has resulted in slower and less efficient operations within the agency. This lack of transparency and oversight has left lawmakers questioning the secretary's ability to lead effectively.
Two key House Democrats, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, have expressed deep concerns over the procurement of new luxury jets for Noem's use. They claim that this decision prioritizes the secretary's comfort above the operational needs of the US Coast Guard, even during a government shutdown. The lawmakers have also accused Noem of lacking judgment and responsibility in managing taxpayer dollars.
This is not the first time Noem has been criticized for her lavish spending. ProPublica reported last month on how FEMA resources were delayed due to bureaucratic purgatory until one of her wealthy supporters intervened. Additionally, The Washington Post revealed that Noem was living for free in a military home typically reserved for top Coast Guard officials.
The purchase of the private jets is part of a long list of controversies surrounding Noem's tenure as governor and DHS secretary. She had previously used taxpayer money to remodel the governor's mansion and then had South Dakota taxpayers cover the costs of her pre-election travel, including a six-day trip to Paris.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the secretary will respond to the lawmakers' request for information on where the money came from. However, one thing is certain โ the Democratic Party will continue to scrutinize Noem's spending habits and leadership priorities as they pertain to taxpayer dollars.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under fire from Democrats after it emerged that the agency has purchased two Gulfstream private jets, which are set to cost taxpayers a staggering $172 million. The jets were acquired at a time when some critical resources have been delayed in reaching areas affected by disasters due to bureaucratic red tape imposed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem had previously required all DHS personnel to obtain her personal approval on spending exceeding $100,000. However, the practice has resulted in slower and less efficient operations within the agency. This lack of transparency and oversight has left lawmakers questioning the secretary's ability to lead effectively.
Two key House Democrats, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, have expressed deep concerns over the procurement of new luxury jets for Noem's use. They claim that this decision prioritizes the secretary's comfort above the operational needs of the US Coast Guard, even during a government shutdown. The lawmakers have also accused Noem of lacking judgment and responsibility in managing taxpayer dollars.
This is not the first time Noem has been criticized for her lavish spending. ProPublica reported last month on how FEMA resources were delayed due to bureaucratic purgatory until one of her wealthy supporters intervened. Additionally, The Washington Post revealed that Noem was living for free in a military home typically reserved for top Coast Guard officials.
The purchase of the private jets is part of a long list of controversies surrounding Noem's tenure as governor and DHS secretary. She had previously used taxpayer money to remodel the governor's mansion and then had South Dakota taxpayers cover the costs of her pre-election travel, including a six-day trip to Paris.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the secretary will respond to the lawmakers' request for information on where the money came from. However, one thing is certain โ the Democratic Party will continue to scrutinize Noem's spending habits and leadership priorities as they pertain to taxpayer dollars.