Washington: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under criticism from congressional Democrats following reports that it purchased two business jets worth about 172 million U.S. dollars amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, local media reported on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, public procurement documents cited by The New York Times revealed that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) signed a sole-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace for two G700 aircraft. These jets are intended for the Coast Guard’s Long-Range Command and Control Aircraft fleet, designated to serve DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior officials.

Several Democratic lawmakers questioned the decision and demanded clarification on the funding source. Democratic Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood expressed their concerns in a letter to Noem, criticizing the prioritization of luxury over operational needs. The letter emphasized the need for the Coast Guard to focus on being adequately equipped to meet mission requirements rather than prioritizing comfort.

In response to the controversy, the DHS defended the purchase on its official X account, citing safety and mission readiness as primary reasons. The department emphasized the necessity of secure command, control, and rapid long-range mobility for senior military officials and cabinet members.

Earlier this year, the USCG had requested one jet in its budget, estimating the cost at 50 million dollars. In May, DHS released a statement highlighting the aging status of the existing Gulfstream G550 aircraft, noting it was “well beyond operational usage hours for a corporate aircraft.”