Democrats criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for purchasing, during the government shutdown, two high-end private jets for the secretary and other top officials to use for their official travel.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on Friday to procure two G700 jets for more than $170 million, according to documents posted to a public government procurement website.

The jets, according to a USGC press release, will replace planes that were as much as 20 years old and were “experiencing several unplanned maintenance issues.”

The USGC said the aircraft “are required to provide official travel” for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and top commandants of the Coast Guard.

“The timing of this investment underscores the Coast Guard’s vital need to modernize its command and control capabilities to meet today’s rapidly evolving operational demands. As maritime activity increases and national security challenges grow more complex, maintaining reliable air mobility is essential to ensuring continuity of........

© The Hill