FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2008

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/ 202-225-7295

LARSON HAILS PENTAGON TANKER ANNOUNCEMENT

Washington, DC – Today, the Pentagon announced that it will delay rebidding of the Air Force’s mid-air refueling tanker program until the next administration.  Officials cited timing costs as their main consideration.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, said,

“I am thrilled with the Pentagon’s announcement that it will delay the rebid on the Air Force mid-air refueling tanker program.  This is too serious a matter to rush to a quick decision on.  And, too important an issue to our national security to hold another flawed bidding process.  The Pentagon has finally made a responsible decision. I am confident that at the end of a fair bidding process the Boeing plane with Pratt & Whitney parts will be deemed superior.  I am further certain that the American workforce, so highly skilled in the aerospace industry, will prevail.  Because of pressure from Congress, the Pentagon must now take into account the impact this contract will have on the American workforce.  This change is a huge boost for the American people, our economy and our national security industry.”

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