Nancy Pelosi, upset that she occasionally can't get hold of a USAF Gulfstream to jet herself around the country, instructed her minions to insert funding for three of these jets into the House Defense Appropriations Bill. These were not requested by, nor are they wanted by, the Air Force.The military version of the Gulfsream 550, designated C-37A, is just about the highest end business jet that can be bought. Although the military versions aren't decked out with the most oppulent equipment packages, they still cost about $65,000,000 apiece.
C-37s are used to transport VIPs, typically civilian government officials, around the country and the world. It is a favorite with members of Congress and the Administration, because of its luxury and long range. Each flight is catered, and served by a USAF serviceperson acting as stewardess.
The Air Force has 10 C-37s currently. Four are based at Andrews AFB, for use by members of the government. One each are based at Hickam AFB in Hawaii, and Chievres AB in Belgium (for NATO support). Three are based out of MacDill AFB in Florida (for CentCOM support), and one has been noted carrying civilian registration while operating in Southwest Asia. The Navy has 5 C-37s, used for VIP transportation at various locations.
Wording inserted into the bill authorizing funding for these aircraft specifically stipulates that they are to be based at Andrews. This, in essence, makes sure they are not used by anyone other than members of Congress or the Administration.
In addition, funding was inserted for a C-40, the military version of the 737 airliner. Also to be based at Andrews, this $70,000,000 aircraft is popular with Congress for their overseas junkets, because of its luxury and VIP sleeping areas. Congressional porkers love to pack their spouses (or mistresses) into this luxury bus for 'fact finding' junkets at tax payer expense. Again, the USAF did not request or want this aircraft.Pelosi has been known for her tirades when these aircraft aren't avalable for her personal use. So, she has now made sure that her royal ass has one of these birds to cart it back and forth to San Francisco whenever she feels like it. How arrogant ... when Congress and the Administration are cutting critical items out of the defense budget, these assholes blow our tax dollars on this perk for themselves.
I say, let them fly coach like the rest of us poor peasants.....
Update - Pentagon and Senate opposition to this purchase is exploding. Along with Republican members of the House, Senators are lining up to voice their opposition, and it looks like the purchase will be blocked in the Senate.
"The whole thing kind of makes me sick to my stomach. It is evidence that some of the cynicism about Washington is well placed -- that people get out of touch and they spend money like it's Monopoly money." - Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) in an interview Sunday (yes, a DEMOCRAT said this)
"A classic example of Congress being out of touch with the realities of deficit spending." - Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
Update II - VICTORY! American People 1, Pelosi 0. Rulers of the House concended defeat Monday as pressure about this continued to rise, agreeing to remove funding for the additional jets from the Defense bill.
2 comments:
It is pathetic. I won't tell you how I REALLY feel about Nancy P. It would probably get me on Obama's hit list, but I don't see how these people live with themselves. Major denial.
This one just plainly pisses me off. The approval for these perks should be required by those of us who will pay the bill. Obviously our system is broken when the same people are allowed to approve unreasonable luxuries for themselves while most Americans have been forced to chose which necessities in their personal budgets will go unmet.
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