Congress jet purchase plan draws critics

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Several Republicans and some Democrats are coming out against the recent padding of an order for planes that would ferry members of Congress.

The Wall Street Journal said Monday that the $550 million plan would purchase eight Boeing and Gulfstream jets to replace aging planes currently in use.

The newspaper said the Obama administration had planned to buy four planes at a cost of $220 million; however some House lawmakers bumped the order up to eight planes even though the Pentagon contends it doesn't need that many.

Proponents of the spending plan say it will save money in the long run through lower operating and maintenance costs.

That, however, hasn't convinced a growing number of congressional critics who vow to ground the proposal.

"It is evidence that some of the cynicism about Washington is well placed," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., "People get out of touch and they spend money like it is Monopoly money."