House Speaker Pelosi has requested regular access to an Air Force passenger jet. However, she is not requesting the same one offered to the last Speaker, Mr. Hastert. Pelosi wants a big one!Apparently flying in a small commuter jet from DC to her home district is not good enough for the Speaker, who reportedly wore a $35,000 pearl necklace to the State of the Union address.
There is clearly a need for a Representative to return to his or her home district on a regular basis. Ask any of our delegation and I'm sure they would tell you that their regular trips home are vital to maintaining a connection to the state they proudly represent. However, if you ask them how they get between DC and home, I suspect the answer would be on a commercial airliner.
There is an argument to be made that since she is in line to be President if anything should happen to the President or Vice-President, she might be entitled to some form of added security. However, there appears to be no need for a jet any bigger than the one that was previously used by the Speaker. If this is any indication, the new Speaker appears to be moving toward an enlarged government by the people and for "The Pelosi."
ADDITION: A reader and friend sent me this link which outlines Pelosi's position on her airplane. I can appreciate the need for security for the Speaker of the House. The article says that the military suggested a larger airplane to avoid the need for refueling. This is probably a good idea, however, the Washington Times is reporting that the Department of Defense sent the Speaker a letter which says she will be limited a plane like Hastert's old one which will require refueling.
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