Sessions Grounds Pro-Boeing Tanker Bill

Senator Jeff Sessions has placed a legislative hold on a bill that would require the Air Force to award the $40 billion tanker contract to Boeing, greatly reducing the chances it will pass.

The bill introduced Thursday by Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts of Kansas would either give Boeing the contract or require the Air Force to rebid the contract under new terms that give Boeing the upper hand.

The move by Sessions means the bill would need a yes vote from 60 senators before it could be considered.

“Pilots, engineers, and experts at the Air Force should have the opportunity to select the aircraft they believe best meets the needs and requirements of our troops,” Sessions said. “This legislation would take an unprecedented step of overriding the entire competition, and I strongly object."