Press Release of Senator Cantwell

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made the following statement after the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the tanker competition:

 

“A restart is better than a false start and a false start is where the Air Force was headed. Hopefully, a new start will be a fair process to fully understand the requirements and give contractors the proper time to bid.

 

“I am glad the Department of Defense recognized the need to allow enough time to consider the new requirements. I will continue to push the Air Force and the Defense Department, by maintaining my hold on the nomination of Air Force Secretary Donley, to make sure there is a fair, open and transparent process as it relates to requirements and the RFP bid process. And I will continue to fight to ensure taxpayers get a fair deal for the plans that the Air Force needs.

 

“Our men and women in uniform need new tankers, which are vital to the United States’ national security. I will continue to press to ensure there is a fair rebid of the tanker contract and that Defense Department gets it right for both the American taxpayer and war fighter.  All costs must be taken into account and all national security implications must be fully reviewed and considered.”

 

 

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