Washington, DC, Feb 8, 2007 -  House Republican Conference Secretary John Carter today issued the following statement regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s request for a military C-32 jet:

“It is shameful enough that the Speaker requested the use of a lavish jet to suit her prima donna lifestyle on the taxpayer dime to the tune of $420,000 for a round trip home to San Francisco,” said Congressman Carter. “Now, she has even further crossed the line by teaming up with Congressman Murtha and all but threatening to cut the Pentagon’s funding if her demands are not met.”

“This is an egregious abuse of office. Her selfishness would monopolize much-needed resources of the Department of Defense while we are in a time of war. For every flight she takes, she is effectively spending money that is meant to support our troops in the field. This incident is just a warning for what is to come now that the Democrats are in charge of the House, despite their claims of moral reform.”

“I understand the Speaker is entitled to a military aircraft, but a 50-seat plane with a fully enclosed stateroom, entertainment center and crew of 16 is just plain excessive.”