News

Evans Slams Wasteful Spending on Private Jets for Congress

10/22/2009

(CUMMING, Ga.) - Mike Evans, Republican candidate for Ninth District Congress in Georgia, called on Senate leaders Monday to reject Congress' plan to spend $330 million to upgrade its fleet of executive jets.

"The average citizen struggling to hold onto a job and scratching to make ends meet simply can't afford Nancy Pelosi's extravagant lifestyle nor that of the Democrat-controlled Congress," Evans said. "So, I'm calling on Republicans and centrist Democrats to reject this disgraceful waste of taxpayer dollars."

The Pentagon requested only $220 million to pay for four jets in the defense spending bill but congressional leaders doubled the order to eight jets at a total cost of $550 million.

Spokesman Geoff Morrell said the Pentagon does not need nor does it want the extra $330 million for private jets. "This forces us to take money from things we do need to fund and redirect it for things we don't need. And in a time of war, we just can't afford that," he added.

Evans agreed. "If we're going to spend an extra $330 million, I'd rather spend it on equipment and supplies for the young men and women in the armed forces than an executive jet to enhance the lifestyle of senior government officials like Nancy Pelosi."

Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said she will encourage Senators to vote against the plan, "The whole thing kind of makes me sick to my stomach," she said.

Senators John McCain (R., Ariz.,) Jack Reed (D., R.I.), Richard Burr (R., N.C.), Christopher Bond (R., Mo.) and John Thune (R., S.D.) have all expressed opposition to the plan.

Evans has pledged that when he's elected he will end wasteful spending in Washington.

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