(Washington, D.C.) Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) upheld Boeing’s protest of the Air Force’s decision to award a contract to replace the air refueling tankers to a team of Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS):

“The GAO's decision validates concerns raised by Boeing about the acquisition process. As we move forward, we must ensure the procurement process is fair and transparent, we are building the best tankers possible for America, we are giving taxpayers the best value, and we are replacing the aging KC-135 tankers at Fairchild Air Force Base as soon as possible.

“Boeing has a 75-year tradition of producing quality aerial refueling technologies in the United States. Everyone knows that the employees at the Boeing facilities in Everett, Washington and Wichita, Kansas put pride, integrity and professionalism into every plane they build. We need to ensure they are given a fair opportunity to continue building the best tanker right here in the United States.”

Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers represents Fairchild Air Force Base, the largest employer in the Spokane area. Since coming to Congress in 2005, she has been working to expand and strengthen the role of Fairchild AFB. Included in that effort is her work to ensure the next generation of air refueling tankers is based at Fairchild AFB.

Contact:

Destry Henderson
202-225-2006
202-279-0418