Ed Dept.: DeVos Uses Private Jet To Tour Schools At 'Zero Cost To Taxpayers' [View all]
Source: Associated Press
By Maria Danilova Published SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 10:53 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Education Secretary Betsy DeVos uses a private jet to fly around the country to tour schools and attend other work events on her own dime, according to her office.
Education Department Press Secretary Liz Hill said in a statement to The Associated Press that DeVos travels “on personally-owned aircraft” at zero cost to taxpayers. Speaking with the AP on Thursday, Hill would not disclose details about the model or any other characteristics of the aircraft.
“The secretary neither seeks, nor accepts, any reimbursement for her flights, nor for any additional official travel-related expenses, such as lodging and per diem, even though she is entitled to such reimbursement under government travel regulations,” Hill said. “Secretary DeVos accepted her position to serve the public and is fully committed to being a faithful steward of taxpayer dollars.”
The issue of Cabinet secretaries’ travel came under scrutiny on Wednesday when Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price faced an outcry over chartering five private flights last week for official business when other cheaper travel options were available. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said Democrats would seek a “full accounting” of Price’s travel from his department’s inspector general. “Taxpayer funds are not meant to be used as a jet-setting slush fund,” Pallone said.
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