There’s been a lot of controversy about the expense of and use of military aircraft to get Speakers of the House around in recent years — especially when Nancy Pelosi asked for an upgrade (and because she’s a she). That is apparently about to end. Presumptive Speaker Boehner just told reporters he’s flown commercial for 20 years and will continue to do so as Speaker.
I've been told by several congressmen that the law prohibits anyone in the succession of President of the United States to fly commercial, especially the Speaker of the House, second in line only to the Veep. Boehner certainly doesn't need the top-of-the-line private jets Pelosi has been using, though.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseCongressman Boehner would increase his visibility with the troops if he occasionally DID fly military aircraft--space available on military airlift with the GIs and retirees. A little management by walking around (and LISTENING) would only help burnish the Speaker's credibility.
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This is a interesting point but wouldn't that encompass a large number of people? I believe the succession list is VP, Speaker of the House, President pro temp of the Senate, and the secretaries of the cabinet departments in the order they were created, then the undersecretaries of same. How far is the line specified after this? Does anyone know?
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse*IF* there is a law or regulation barring the Speaker from commercial flights, Boehner would gain HUGE cred by trying to repeal it.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseNot only that BobWang, but if our next Speaker has to put up with what everybody else has to put up with at the security checkpoints, it may lead to some fundamental reforms that are long overdue.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAppreciate the thought, but once security for the #3 guy in the country kicks in, I'm afraid the Speaker will just be making life more difficult for everyone involved. It can't be easy or cheap -- or fast -- to protect him from public arrival to destination. I'd have been perfectly happy if he just requested smaller planes and didn't order up luxury perks for a huge entourage.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbusePerhaps someone will someday invent a way to search the Internet so as to help unfortunate software developers and other curious people.
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