Three Senate Democrats have sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding details about the $464 million purchase of 10 used jets. The department acquired seven Boeing 737 passenger jets and three luxury business jets from Daedalus Aviation Corporation using a no-bid contract, citing urgent need for deportation flights. Beginning in January, the department bought the aircraft, all from the Northern Virginia company with no prior federal contracting history.

However, reports indicate the fleet has seen minimal use. The department has sought to loan or lease two luxury jets to other agencies, and passenger 737s have remained idle for months at an airport in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In their letter, Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Peter Welch of Vermont, and Adam Schiff of California requested records of communication between Daedalus and Homeland Security leaders.

They also asked for flight logs, passenger manifests, and justification for selecting a contractor with no prior federal contracts. The senators criticized the process, stating the wasted funds compound the loss from the rushed acquisition. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented on the inquiry.

Earlier reports indicated the former Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, approved the purchase before her departure.