Rep. Brad Sherman Votes For "Jets For Junkets"

First, it was Cash For Clunkers. Now, it's Jets For Junkets.

Last November, Democrats in congress got their panties in knots when executives from the U.S. automakers came to Washington, D.C. for bailout money in their corporate jets.

Less than a year after the Democrats in Congress criticized the automakers, the House approved nearly $200 million for Gulfstream jets to fly government officials and members of Congress.

"I don't know how I go back to my constituents and say the auto industry has changed. If they own private jets which are not only expensive to own expensive to operate and expensive to fly here rather than to have flown commercial," so said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) months ago.

From the Washington Post:

“There’s a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hands,” Rep. Gary L. Ackerman advised the pampered executives at a hearing yesterday. “It’s almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high-hat and tuxedo. . . . I mean, couldn’t you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled or something to get here?”

The Big Three said nothing, which prompted Rep. Brad Sherman to rub it in. “I’m going to ask the three executives here to raise their hand if they flew here commercial,” he said. All still at the witness table. “Second,” he continued, “I’m going ask you to raise your hand if you’re planning to sell your jet . . . and fly back commercial.” More stillness. “Let the record show no hands went up,” Sherman grandstanded.

This exchange led Rush Limbaugh to refer to Sherman as "a dolt" on his show.

Fast forward to July 2009. The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the purchase of three, $65 million Gulfstream 550 jets. They will be used by members of Congress, military brass and top government officials and are described as "top of the line." Only one was requested by the military. Congress added two more to the 2010 Dept. of Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3326).

Brad Sherman voted "yes." Sherman apparently changed his mind about flying commercial and prefers the government's Jets For Junkets program.

Can you say "hypocrite"?