Carbajal Statement on DHS Secretary Noem Purchasing Luxury Private Jets During a Government Shutdown

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Top Democrat on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, released the statement below following reports that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is purchasing a pair of luxury Gulfstream G700 private jets during a government shutdown. "As the Republican government shutdown continues to push thousands of federal workers, including at the Department of Homeland Security, into financial hardship, Secretary Noem is using our tax dollars to purchase luxury private jets,” said Rep. Carbajal, Top Democrat on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “Coast Guard operations are already stretched to the limit, and diverting critical resources to buy luxury aircraft that will solely benefit Secretary Noem is unconscionable. Since taking office, Secretary Noem has repeatedly shown a troubling lack of judgment in managing Coast Guard resources. This latest example demands a full investigation. The American people and our Coasties deserve leaders who prioritize the wellbeing of the country over personal indulgence."