Bonner Pleased Gates Is Taking Over Tanker

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner issued the following statement in response to Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ announcement of an expedited re-competition of the tanker contract:

“I think we in Congress, on both sides of this issue, need to listen very carefully to what the secretary of defense said about the urgent need to get on with the tanker program.

“Remember, the Air Force started the tanker replacement program in 2001—and to date, our airmen have nothing to show for it. Now they are left to support two wars with tankers approaching 50 years old. We simply must move forward with the great urgency this program demands.

“I am pleased the secretary is taking over this procurement—putting the full weight, expertise and credibility of his office behind the program. It deserves this level of attention—it is that important.

“Some of my colleagues wanted to start this competition over from square one. The urgency of the need simply does not allow time for that to happen. I believe Secretary Gates’ plan for an expedited re-competition will allow the concerns of the GAO to be addressed and determine an acceptable contract in order to get on with building tankers.

“At the end of the day, this program is not about jobs in the Northwest or jobs on the Gulf Coast—it’s about getting the best equipment into the hands of the men and women of our military as quickly as possible.

“The Northrop Grumman plane was judged the best equipment in round one—I have every confidence it will remain the top choice after the GAO procedural concerns are resolved. It is simply a more modern, more capable aircraft that can be delivered to our military sooner. I am confident an expedited re-competition will reaffirm this decision.

“I compliment Secretary Gates and Undersecretary Young for their bold action in defining a way forward for this critical program.”