For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

“My first goal is to get the best refueling tankers for our warfighters and our taxpayers.  This gives the Pentagon enough time to work with our warfighters to meet their needs and get this done right.

“This pause is a reality check on a procurement process that got very complicated and a little muddled. 

“The Pentagon has assured me that the current fleet of KC-135s is capable of doing the job for as long as we’re going to need them.

“I’m confident that under the next Administration we will be able to have the kind of fair and open competition we need to ensure our warfighters get the best tankers for their mission.”