First, Pelosi did not make this request; the House Seargant at Arms did. That Pelosi is second in line to the presidency, it is imperitive that she be protected to the same standards that Speaker Hastert was.
Statement from House Sergeant At Arms Bill Livingood, Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the House:
In a post 9/11 threat environment, it is reasonable and prudent to provide military aircraft to the Speaker for official travel between Washington and her district. The practice began with Speaker Hastert and I have recommended that it continue with Speaker Pelosi. The fact that Speaker Pelosi lives in California compelled me to request an aircraft that is capable of making non-stop flights for security purposes, unless such an aircraft is unavailable. This will ensure communications capabilities and also enhance security. I made the recommendation to use military aircraft based upon the need to provide necessary levels of security for ranking national leaders, such as the Speaker. I regret that an issue that is exclusively considered and decided in a security context has evolved into a political issue.
Second, Mrs. Pelosi's time is exremely valuable. If she can avoid the landing cycle time required to refuel, it is worth the government's time and people's money to save those lost hours.Third, if you're going to say that it is a waste of taxpayer's money to provide a plane to the Speaker of the House, I'l say you should have thought of that
Finally, when are you going to stop letting the Moonies set the national agenda? Is this even worth the time to discuss?
Now back to our regularly scheduled Republican whining...
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