That’s ‘in-flight expenses.’ The full cost for ferrying around the Speaker and the House by the USAF was 2.1 million. Some details:
Speaker Pelosi used Air Force aircraft to travel back to her district at an average cost of $28,210.51 per flight. The average cost of an international CODEL is $228,563.33. Of the 103 Pelosi-led congressional delegations (CODEL), 31 trips included members of the House Speaker’s family.
One CODEL traveling from Washington, DC, through Tel Aviv, Israel to Baghdad, Iraq May 15-20, 2008, “to discuss matters of mutual concern with government leaders” included members of Congress and their spouses and cost $17,931 per hour in aircraft alone. Purchases for the CODEL included: Johnny Walker Red scotch, Grey Goose vodka, E&J brandy, Bailey’s Irish Crème, Maker’s Mark whiskey, Courvoisier cognac, Bacardi Light rum, Jim Beam whiskey, Beefeater gin, Dewars scotch, Bombay Sapphire gin, Jack Daniels whiskey, Corona beer and several bottles of wine.
You know, when it comes to air travel, most jobs require you to fly coach. And pay for your own booze. How fortunate we are to have Congressional leadership who are prepared to rise above such picayune considerations…
Moe Lane
PS: Via Dan Collins, who is upset about the Corona. Eh, stick a lime slice in it and it’s drinkable enough. That being said, what the hell is wrong with Pyramid Breweries? They’re from freaking California!