Department of Transportation oversight body to review Buttigieg’s use of government aircraft

Feb. 28 (UPI) — The Federal Watch Service has launched an investigation into the use of private government jets by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and those who came before him under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Department of Transportation Department of Transportation Inspector General’s Office announced a review of memorandum On Monday, it said the investigation would focus on official travel made by various transportation ministers since January 31, 2017, when Elaine Chao, the first head of Trump’s department, was sworn in.

“We will conduct a review to determine whether the secretary’s office complies with federal rules, policies, and procedures regarding travel on DOT aircraft,” the memorandum says.

The Department of Transportation has a fleet of aircraft operated by the Federal Aviation Administration. federal leadership authorizes executives to fly government aircraft only for official purposes and “only when government aircraft is the most cost-effective mode of transport.” The policy applies to chartered aircraft.

The review was initiated due to letter domestic watchdog received in December from Senator Marco Rubio, D-Fla. over concerns about Buttigieg’s use of government and chartered aircraft.

The Republican senator pointed to Fox News report in December, it stated that Buttigieg had flown at least 18 government-funded flights since taking office.

“I have been working for a long time to ensure effective control of travel for management and employees, as well as to reduce the risk of fraud, waste and abuse,” Rubio wrote in a letter.

“American taxpayers deserve assurances that their tax dollars will not be wasted by top government officials.”

The launch of the audit also follows Senator Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, demanding answers from the oversight body in letter last month about Buttigieg’s travel and expenses.

In response, Buttigieg posted on Monday statement welcomes the audit.

“Glad this will be looked into independently so misleading stories can be put to rest,” he tweeted. Bottom line: I mostly fly commercial flights in economy class. And when I use our agency’s planes, it usually saves taxpayers money.”

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