Mile High Fund

Even with the current economic crisis, the government still manages to ride in style as Congress plans to spend $550 million on new jets for federal officials in order to accommodate the “growing travel demands” by congressional officials.

In addition to the request in the Air Force’s annual appropriations report, the Pentagon ordered one Gulfstream V and a business class equivalent of a Boeing 737. The Defense Department also asked to purchase the two additional 737’s that were being leased. Additional funds were approved by the House to buy an additional two 737’s and two Gulfstream V planes, although the Senate must approve of the acquisitions.

According to the Department of Defense, the Air Force version of the Gulfstream V each costs $66 million and the 737’s cost about $70 million. The House Appropriations Committee says the new purchases will be replacing seven aging and expensive business jets.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of congressional records indicate that last year, House members spend about 3,000 days overseas on taxpayer-funded trips. In the past, lawmakers have criticized taxpayer-funded jets used by corporations following the government bailout of banks but have apparently reconsidered.