Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today on news from the Defense Department that a decision on the Air Force’s refueling tanker program will be delayed until the next Administration.  Larsen’s congressional district is home to Boeing’s Everett plant, assembly site for the 747, 767, 777 and 787.

“Earlier this morning, I learned from the Department of Defense that it will delay any decision on the refueling tanker program until the next Administration.

“This announcement is great news for Boeing’s workers – the best aerospace workers in the world -- and more importantly, it will help ensure a fair and competitive process to deliver the best tanker for the warfighter and the American taxpayer.

“Secretary Gates’ decision today is a step in the right direction toward fair competition and a level playing field for Boeing. I look forward to hearing the details of the Defense Department’s plan. I am pleased that the Defense Department will be giving this process enough time to ensure that it is fair and competitive.

“I look forward to working with the new Administration to ensure this process is done right, and that getting our men and women the right tanker as soon as possible is a top priority.

“As the tanker selection process moves forward, I will encourage the new Administration to take into account how the tanker decision will affect our defense industrial base and our trade policy, including the effect of Airbus’s illegal subsidies.  And I will work to ensure that the Defense Department and the Air Force don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.”