Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has justified the decision to allocate over $170 million for the procurement of new aircraft for the U.S. Coast Guard, which includes a jet designated for her travel needs.

This move has sparked criticism from congressional Democrats, who questioned the timing of the contract amidst the ongoing government shutdown.

However, Noem dismissed these concerns on Monday, emphasizing that the funds for this project had already been allocated in the past.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a contract to spend more than $170 million on new jets for the U.S. Coast Guard, including one that will be used for the secretary’s travel.

The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism from congressional Democrats for entering into a contract to build the jets amid the government shutdown.

Noem brushed that aside Monday, noting the funding was previously appropriated.

“These aircraft are Coast Guard aircraft to replace 25-year-old airplanes that are necessary for the mission of the Coast Guard. Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the Big Beautiful Bill, and we’re grateful that we’re able to move forward,” she said during a press conference.

The funding for the jets came from a last-minute line item inserted into congressional appropriations in May, sparking scrutiny from Democrats given that Noem already had a plane – one both Noem and the Coast Guard have said is part of an aging fleet.

House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) on Sunday requested additional information on the purchase.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the Deputy Secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200 million,” DeLauro and Underwood wrote in a letter.

“It appears you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG servicemembers who protect this nation.”

The letter appeared to nod to Noem’s stay in Coast Guard housing after she received death threats, with the secretary staying in housing traditionally reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.

The jet order dwarfs the initial request made by DHS, which asked for $50 million for a new plane.

Democrats also faulted Noem for moving ahead with the order amid the shutdown.

“The more than $170 million Sec. Noem is using to buy jets for her luxury travel would help fund a lot of pay checks for TSA & air traffic controllers,” Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote on X.

“She should pay essential workers & stop putting herself before dedicated public servants.”