HHS Defends Tom Price's Use of Private Jets

The Health and Human Services Department is coming to the defense of Secretary Tom Price's use of costly private jets for official business

"This is Secretary Price, getting outside of D.C., making sure he is connected with the real American people," Charmaine Yoest, his assistant secretary for public affairs, told The Washington Post. "Wasting four hours in an airport and having the secretary cancel his event is not a good use of taxpayer money."

Price's office insisted it regularly evaluates the most effective way for him to travel and has turned to charter flights when necessary. The newspaper said the flights cost taxpayers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars per trip.

Politico reported Price has flown on at least 24 charter flights on private plane at taxpayers' expense since May. The website said the cost of the trips exceeds $300,000.

His use of private planes has brought criticism. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. called the use of private planes hypocritical.

"The Trump Administration's use of taxpayer-funded private planes keeps getting worse — all the while they continue trying to rip healthcare insurance away from millions and drive up costs for hard-working Granite Staters and Americans," Hassan said.

• Dem Rep. Pallone Asks IG to Look at Tom Price's Travel
• Report: Price Flying on Private Jets Instead of Commercial Planes