New Gulfstram Jets for Congress? How fast the good feelings fade.

Congress has just approved the purchase of 3 additional G550 Gulfstream Jets for their use. Price tag? $200 Million. This is the same jet Arnold Schwarzenegger flies. Life is good at the top. The Military, who takes care of Congress's air chauffeuring had requested one, but when it got to the appropriations committee they opted to throw in another two.

Each Gulfstream costs about $65 Million and about $5000 per hour to fly. I understand the need for security, which is generally the reason given for this excess. But, why can't Congress fly on standard military transport just like everybody else. They just might get a chance to interface with some real people occasionally.

From the Gulfstream Web Site
The Gulfstream G550 is a luxury business jet, which the company advertises as featuring long-range flight capacity that “easily links Washington, D.C., with Dubai, London with Singapore and Tokyo with Paris.” The company’s promotional materials say, “The cabin aboard the G550 combines productivity with exceptional comfort. It features up to four distinct living areas, three temperature zones, a choice of 12 floor plan configurations with seating for up to 18 passengers.”

Read all about it here.