Shelby Blocks Pentagon Nominee Over Tanker

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby is holding upPresident Barack Obama's pick to lead Pentagon acquisitions becausehe wants assurances that the nominee won't change the criteria in aheated competition for a $35 billion refueling tanker contract.

By: Katie Hammond | WKRG-TV
Published: April 03, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Richard Shelby is holding up
President Barack Obama's pick to lead Pentagon acquisitions because
he wants assurances that the nominee won't change the criteria in a
heated competition for a $35 billion refueling tanker contract.
Shelby and other Alabama lawmakers are worried the Pentagon
might award the contract based strictly on price without
considering additional capabilities.
They have a stake in the fight because Northrop Grumman Corp.
would assemble the plane in Mobile, Ala. The company is offering a
larger, more expensive plane than its competitor, Boeing Co.
Shelby alone can't block the nomination of Ashton Carter as a
Defense Department undersecretary, but he can delay his
confirmation.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)