Bonner Blasts Tiahrt's Latest Stunt

“Today, one of our colleagues introduced the KC-X Recompete Act, and its message is clear: if the warfighter wants a new tanker to replace its 50-year-old fleet anytime soon, it has one choice, Boeing’s KC-767.

“That Act tells the warfighter—take the 767—take it or leave it—or face years of delay to conduct a new competition.

“Boeing’s 767 is a plane, mind you, the Air Force decided was second best to the more capable, more modern, more fuel efficient Northrop aircraft—an aircraft, I am proud to say, which will be built in Alabama.

“Yes, the GAO noted procedural errors in the source selection process but said its ruling did not reflect on the merits of the two aircraft.

“There is no equivocation about which plane the Air Force wants—and desperately needs—Northrop Grumman’s KC-45.

“Some in Congress have repeatedly tried to preempt regular order and take this decision away from the warfighter.

“The Pentagon is now on a 60-day clock to decide what to do about the GAO ruling—I urge my colleagues to let regular order prevail.

“Let’s not preempt the voice of our men and women who will take this plane into harm’s way. We owe them that much. Say no to the KC-X Recompete Act.”