Pelosi flies disputed military jet home

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the subject of Republican criticism for her mode of air travel, flew home nonstop Thursday night aboard a 12-seat military aircraft set aside for use by lawmakers.

Republican House members, aided by friendly radio and television talk show hosts, created a political tempest this week, claiming Pelosi was pressuring the Pentagon for the use of an "Air Force Three" and a "flying Lincoln Bedroom." Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, however, the administration has required the speaker -- then Republican Dennis Hastert of Illinois -- to travel home and on official business using military planes for security reasons.

	GOP Bristles at Pelosi Plane Request	Associated Press	Wed Feb 7	2
	White House Defends Pelosi Plane Request	Associated Press	Thu Feb 8	71
	House GOP Blast Pelosi for Plane Request	Associated Press	Thu Feb 8	5
	House GOP Blasts Pelosi for Plane Request	Associated Press	Fri Feb 9	7