Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has defended a decision to allocate over $170 million for new jets designated for the U.S. Coast Guard, one of which will also serve for her official travel purposes.

This decision has drawn criticism from congressional Democrats, particularly because the contract was finalized during a governmental shutdown. Critics have expressed concern over the timing and necessity of such an expenditure.

In response, Noem dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that the funding had already been approved. “These jets are intended to replace 25-year-old aircraft essential for the Coast Guard’s operations. The funds were allocated by Congress in a comprehensive appropriations bill, and we are thankful to proceed with this initiative,” she stated at a press conference.

The funding was part of a late addition to congressional appropriations made in May. The move has been scrutinized, especially since both Noem and the Coast Guard have acknowledged the current aircraft fleet is aging and in need of updates.

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 greatly surpassed 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.”