We’re Finally Seeing the Full Depth of Pelosi’s Flight Abuse
We’re finally getting a fuller picture of how much Nancy Pelosi’s travel expenses are costing the American taxpayer, and it’s not a pretty sight.
For starters, in one two-year period Pelosi set the United States Air Force back $2,100,744 in travel costs.
Judicial Watch, the group that obtained these documents through Freedom of Information Act requests, reveals that the average cost for Pelosi to fly back to her district is over $28,000 per flight. To put that in perspective, a single economy seat from Washington, D.C. to Pelosi’s home of San Francisco cost roughly $250.
Although a five-figure domestic flight seems absurd, it isn’t the most questionable expense of those two years.
Over $100,000 was spent on in-flight expenses, which included food and alcohol. Although this sum wasn’t spent entirely on booze, one example of an impressive liquor store receipt would make a frat house green with envy.
Yes, you’re reading that right. Cognac, Johnny Walker, two bottles of Grey Goose, and more — all paid for with the taxpayer’s dollar. Who says Democrats can’t have fun?
When the flights go international, things get even more expensive.
The average cost of an out-of-country congressional delegation (CODEL) is over $200,000. The Brookings Institution confirms that while some of these CODELs are useful and beneficial, there is also the potential for abuse.
This likely comes as a natural result of spending someone else’s money.
Another trip exposed by Judicial Watch is a 2015 tour of Italy and Ukraine. Pelosi and a few fellow representatives brought their spouses on this trip.
And what a trip it was — the itinerary reads like a whirlwind tour of cosmopolitan Italian cities, complete with fine dining. Compared to previous CODELs, however, this was an outright bargain at just over $134,000.
Democrats are not the only ones taking these trips.
According to USA Today, four GOP congressmen spent $90,000 on a trip to Albania. A high number, but still practically rookie numbers compared to Pelosi’s expenditures.
While congressional delegations play an important role in our nation’s diplomacy, the excesses need to stop. Given the fact that lawmakers are safely using taxpayer money for the trips, this is not likely to happen anytime soon.
Would flying coach kill them?
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