HHS Chief Flies in Style

A private jet leased by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for emergency use is primarily being used to ferry Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt around the country, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (registration required). Congress has authorized Leavitt to use the jet because of the demands of his job "in times of emergencies" and during "significant events." A CDC spokesman said Leavitt needed access to the jet to fly around the country encouraging senior citizens to sign up for Medicare's new Part D drug program, and to push for preparations for a possible flu pandemic. The secretary, HHS says, flies commercial whenever he can.