Tanker Update

As most of you are aware by now, the U.S. Air Force awarded a $35 billion contract to (EADS) European Aeronautic Defence and Space/ Northrop Grumman over Boeing to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers. I am outraged by this decision to outsource our national security and steal American jobs.

An American tanker should be built by an American company with American workers.

The more I investigate this decision and others like it – the more I am beginning to see a pattern that is deeply disturbing. We are stacking the deck against American workers at the expense of our national and economic security.

This week, the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee (HAC-D), of which I am a member, held multiple hearings that scrutinized the tanker contract award. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to question Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley during the annual HAC-D Air Force Posture hearing. Unfortunately, the Air Force confirmed that many of the benefits provided to foreign corporations are not available to American workers.

Foreign competitors were able to compete and win against American workers because our acquisition laws favor foreign competitors—and this must stop.

I will continue to aggressively fight this decision in Congress. I am also in the process of considering different legislative possibilities with my Congressional colleagues, like Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA), which would overhaul the Air Force procurement policy and block funding for the tanker award to EADS/ Northrop Grumman team.

I am pleased The Boeing Company filed a formal protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) asking them to review the tanker contract decision. I hope their investigation will be thorough, and I look forward to hearing the results.

Are you outraged by the recent Air Force decision to award the KC-X Next Generation Air-fueling Tanker contract to a foreign competitor, and would like to voice your opinion? If so, then please go to my website at www.house.gov/tiahrt/tankerblog and let your voice be heard. The more people who voice their disapproval of this Tanker contract decision the more momentum we will gain. My Tanker Blog will also help you stay up-to-date on all the latest tanker contract actions.

TownHall Meetings

This Spring I will be holding several townhall meetings throughout the district. At townhall meetings, I will be available to hear your thoughts and opinions about issues important to you and your community. It is also a chance for me to update you in person about what is happening in Congress. The March townhall meeting dates are on my Web site. Please click here to see when I will be in your area.

For more information, please visit my website by clicking here or you can call my office at 316.262.8992 or toll free at: 1.866.668.8478.

Spring 2008 Satellite Office Hours

The Spring 2008 satellite office hours are happening now. This is your opportunity to meet with a member of my staff who will be available to offer assistance with federal agencies, answer questions about the federal government, and discuss your concerns and opinions. No appointment is necessary, just come during the scheduled hours. Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends.

You can find the complete satellite office schedule on my website by clicking here. Or for more information, please call my office at: 316.262.8992 or toll free at: 1.866.668.8478.