Washington, D.C. – Reichert Seeks Input on Tanker Decision Wants constituents to speak up, add their voice   Mercer Island, WA – Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today announced the creation of an online survey on the Air Force’s decision on the contract awarded to EADS to build new air-refueling tankers, instead of Boeing. The survey is available at Reichert’s website, at www.house.gov/reichert <http://www.house.gov/reichert> . The page also includes other information, such as the survey pages of Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Todd Tiahrt (KS-04), and other related articles and correspondence.   

“I’ve heard from so many constituents who want to speak out on the issue,” said Reichert. “By utilizing the online survey, constituents are able to share if the agree or disagree, and why. The impact of this decision affects thousands of my constituents, and as we move forward on this issue, I appreciate their input on what our next steps should be. I want my constituents to add their voice to mine; to help me bolster my comments by adding their thoughts in the survey. Are they happy with this deal, or as upset as I am?” 

Constituents inputting their information will be updated on news regarding this issue. Petitions are prohibited from House of Representative websites by law, but surveys are permitted in seeking input from constituents on a particular issue.   

Congressman Reichert also release the following statement on the page:   

”The recent announcement by the U.S. Air Force not to use U.S. aircraft for their new tanker program affects thousands of people in Western Washington many of them in the Eighth District. At a time of economic uncertainty, now is not the time to eliminate U.S. jobs.   

“We live in a time when we’re all aware of the threats to our nation and the importance of keeping our citizens safe. It is critical that wherever possible the companies making our sensitive military equipment should be American.   

“I am also concerned about the impact this decision might have on the case Boeing has against Airbus in front of the World Trade Organization. Airbus receives government subsidies – masked as “launch aid” – to build their aircraft. We must continue to ask questions about what the impact of Airbus losing this case would have on the price of their tankers in the future, and what effect this contract may have on Boeing’s case at the WTO.   

“The Air Force made a decision, but Boeing – and you – has a right to protest. I will join with other members of Congress in asking tough questions of this decision.”  

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