Democrats Query Noem’s $200 Million Jet Purchase in Shutdown

Top Democrats pushed back Saturday on the Coast Guard’s $200 million aircraft purchase during the shutdown, saying it’s the latest instance of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem using taxpayer money for her own personal benefit.

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 need,” Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), ranking members on the House Appropriations Committee and its Homeland Security Subcommittee, said in a Saturday letter to Noem.

The Homeland Security Department alerted Congress of the pending purchase on Oct. ...