A newly proposed Republican Senate bill seeks to restrict the use of private government aircraft by top Department of Transportation (DOT) officials, including Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), the bill's sponsor, criticizes Buttigieg's frequent use of private jets, arguing that it's a misuse of taxpayer funds. Schmitt emphasizes the need for Buttigieg to utilize commercial airlines, like the ones his department regulates, instead of relying on private flights.
The proposed legislation includes exceptions for emergencies and situations where private flights offer a cost saving of at least 5% compared to commercial alternatives. Schmitt expressed hope that the bill would encourage fiscal responsibility within the DOT. This action follows a Fox News Digital report revealing Buttigieg's use of taxpayer-funded jets at least 18 times during his tenure.
Buttigieg's travel history includes domestic trips to various states and international journeys, all using a private jet fleet managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These flights align with his public schedule, according to records obtained by the government watchdog group Americans for Public Trust (APT). The senator also highlighted a "loophole" in the DOT's cost-calculating policy that seemingly underrepresents the actual expenses of these private flights, further fueling the call for increased transparency.
Previous controversies surrounding private jet use by government officials include criticism of Elaine Chao, Trump's Transportation Secretary, and the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price due to excessive private jet travel expenses. The DOT's Inspector General has initiated an investigation into Buttigieg's flights following a letter from Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). Buttigieg has publicly welcomed the investigation, asserting that he primarily flies commercially in economy class and that using government aircraft often saves taxpayer money.
