Lawmakers & Spouses go on global luxury jaunts to study Global Warming

Brody Mullins and the New York Times continue to look at why Congress needs so many luxury private jets.

When 10 members of Congress wanted to study climate change, they did more than just dip their toes into the subject: They went diving and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. They also rode a cable car through the Australian rain forest, visited a penguin rookery and flew to the South Pole.

The 11-day trip -- with six spouses traveling along as well -- took place over New Year's 2008. Details are only now coming to light as part of a Wall Street Journal analysis piecing together the specifics of the excursion.

It's tough to calculate the travel bills racked up by members of Congress, but one thing's for sure: They use a lot of airplanes. In recent days, House of Representatives members allocated $550 million to upgrade the fleet of luxury Air Force jets used for trips like these -- even though the Defense Department said they don't need any more new planes.

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I Stand Corrected. Congress not asking for $200 Million for private jets.

They are asking for $550 Million!

When Detroit flew to Washington, congress made a really really big deal of them all flying in to town on private jets. In fact, the CEO of General Motors eventually lost his job over it, and for failing to turn General Motors around.

Today the Brody Mullins in the Wall Street Journal writes that The Pentagon, who is responsible for providing transportation for congress, requested $66 Million money for one additional jet Gulfstream jet the same as Arnold Schwarzenegger flies around in. Congress, always diligent with their use of taxpayer money, carefully considered the need for the jet and then threw in and addional $484 Million!

Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Department of Defense didn't request the additional planes and doesn't need them. "We ask for what we need and only what we need," he told reporters Wednesday. "We've always frowned upon earmarks and additives that are above and beyond what we ask for."

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