So when CEO's use private jets, it's a public outrage that requires them to answer for their crimes in Congressional hearings. When Congress demands private jets for their flying pleasure... it's what... stimulus?
Last year, lawmakers excoriated the CEOs of the Big Three automakers for traveling to Washington, D.C., by private jet to attend a hearing about a possible bailout of their companies. But apparently Congress is not philosophically averse to private air travel: At the end of July, the House approved nearly $200 million for the Air Force to buy three elite Gulfstream jets for ferrying top government officials and Members of Congress. The Air Force had asked for one Gulfstream 550 jet (price tag: about $65 million) as part of an ongoing upgrade of its passenger air service. But the House Appropriations Committee, at its own initiative, added to the 2010 Defense appropriations bill another $132 million for two more airplanes and specified that they be assigned to the D.C.-area units that carry Members of Congress, military brass and top government officials. Because the Appropriations Committee viewed the additional aircraft as an expansion of an existing Defense Department program, it did not treat the money for two more planes as an earmark, and the legislation does not disclose which Member had requested the additional money.
Hypocrites. They are all so used to using other people's money for their own pleasure, that they just don't care anymore. All politicians are underserving of any respect.
Disclaimer The opinions expressed herein are my own personal opinions and do not represent my employer's view in anyway.