New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is defending her use of a state police helicopter to attend a U.S. Naval Academy alumni event in Maryland after Republican lawmakers questioned whether taxpayer-funded aircraft should be used for what they described as a personal trip, Politico reported.
Flight records show that Sherrill, a Democrat, traveled by New Jersey State Police helicopter to Annapolis for a black-tie gathering at the U.S. Naval Academy, where she graduated in 1994.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, has frequently highlighted her military service during her political career.
Her office said the trip complied with state policy governing the governor's transportation and security.
"With the flight hours required each year, it comes at no added cost to the taxpayer," spokesperson Sean Higgins said in a statement.
He said the helicopter is used to provide secure and efficient transportation for the governor and that required pilot flight hours mean the trip did not generate additional expense.
Republican lawmakers disputed that rationale, saying attendance at an alumni function should not qualify as official state business.
State Sen. Declan O'Scanlon said he supports the use of state aircraft for emergencies and government responsibilities but believes personal events fall outside those purposes.
"I believe there's a line of demarcation there," O'Scanlon said. "I don't believe it's one that's hard to understand."
The dispute has renewed debate over the use of government aircraft by elected officials.
New Jersey governors have long relied on State Police helicopters for travel tied to official duties, although questions have periodically arisen over whether particular trips primarily serve governmental, political or personal interests.
Sherrill's office has maintained that the Annapolis flight was consistent with longstanding practices for gubernatorial travel and emphasized that the aircraft and flight crews must log required hours regardless of individual trips.
The governor's office has not said whether any official state meetings were scheduled in connection with the visit to Annapolis.