Senators Push Gates To Act On Tanker Contract

[livvy]

Senators Push Gates To Act On Tanker Contract

By William Matthews - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 12, 2008 15:08:48 EST

In September, when the battle over the Air Force refueling tanker contract had grown particularly bitter, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced a cooling-off period and put the $35 billion award on hold. The matter, he said, would be decided by the next defense secretary.

But now Gates is the next defense secretary. And Alabama’s two senators want him to make the tanker decision now.

“The Air Force has an urgent need to replace its aging tanker fleet, and we must move forward without undue delay,” Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions wrote in a letter to Gates on Thursday.

Alabama would benefit greatly if Northrop Grumman wins the tanker contest. Northrop’s partner, EADS, has said it would build a tanker assembly plant in Mobile and hire 2,000 workers and numerous subcontractors.

In February, the Air Force picked Northrop to build its new tankers. But rival bidder Boeing immediately protested the award, and in June won the protest, meaning the competition would have to be fought again.

more...


http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/12/defense_tanker_121208_tanker/%2e

[glowing]

1. Shelby doesn't mind taking 35billion for tankers.. but can't spare 14 for autos.. hmm

[Donnachaidh]

2. uhh gents - remember the auto bailout you sunk?

Does the expression *Sit on it and rotate* seem appropriate here?

These assholes should be left swinging on THIS little nugget THEY want.

[Catch22Dem]

3. I have mixed emotions about the tanker deal, and have followed it closely

On one hand, I want to see the contract awarded to an American company. Even though EADS says parts of the aircraft will be built here, I still think it's a shame we contract our military aircraft to a European company.

On the other hand, being an Air Force veteran, it's absolutely imperative for the Air Force (and by extension the other branches who will be refueled by this aircraft) to have the BEST product possible.

It is my understanding that the Northrop Grumman/EADS aircraft beat the Boeing in EVERY category. Apparently Boeing put together an inferior product and to award them the contract based on politics or nationalism is unacceptable. For me, this is not about politics. Our Airmen need the best product being offered, and when it comes down to it, damn everything else.