"The Air Force's short-sighted decision to place the future of America's aerospace industry and national security in the hands of an illegally subsidized foreign competitor is simply wrong for America.

"After careful and serious deliberation, Boeing has also concluded that the Air Force's process was flawed and resulted in the wrong decision for our warfighters.

"Since their beginnings as a small company in Seattle, Boeing has never once protested a contract decision.  But the concerns raised by the Air Force's debrief have led them to today's action.

"It is my hope that the GAO moves forward with its review in a thorough manner.

"I also believe it is Congress' duty to continue to look into the ramifications of the Air Force's decision for America's national security and economic strength."

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Highlighting New Questions about Air Force Contract Requirements

On the Senate floor, Monday, March 10 -

Mr. President, in the last several days we have learned some surprising things about the Air Force’s decision to award a $40 billion contract to the European company Airbus.

The Air Force wants Airbus – which is headquartered in Toulouse, France – to supply our next generation of aerial refueling tankers.  It chose Airbus over the American company Boeing, which has been making the tankers for the last 50 years.

Now, I have made it clear over the past several days that I think this decision is short-sighted and dangerous.  But today, even more questions have been raised about the process the Air Force followed to make this decision.

So I want to take this opportunity to walk through the impact I believe the Air Force’s decision will have – because I think we need to take a good hard look at whether we – as members of the Senate – think this contract should be finalized.  

Foreign Control

First, Mr. President, we need to be very cautious about any decision that awards the right to build a critical part of our military air technology to a company controlled by foreign governments.  What happens if that government disagrees with us on foreign policy?  What if it decides it wants to slow down our military capacity?  Do we want another country to have that kind of control?  

The Air Force didn’t take that into consideration.  They say they didn’t have to.  I think this case is a perfect example of how misguided that idea is. 

More  

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In the News...

“Boeing to Protest Loss of Tanker Contract” – New York Times

“Boeing to challenge tanker decision” – The Everett Herald

“Air tanks contract award dumb move by Air Force” – Tri City Herald  

“Air Force's tanker decision just flat wrong” – Everett Herald

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My Fight Last Week...

Statement by Murray, Cantwell, Dicks, Larsen, Inslee, Smith, McDermott and Reichert on Tanker Decision

Washington and Kansas Delegations Ask Gates to Debrief Boeing this Week

Murray Angered Air Force is Outsourcing American Military Capabilities

Murray Rails Against Outsourcing Military Capabilities and Jobs to European Company Airbus on the Senate Floor -

Senators Decry Decision to Outsource Tanker Jobs

Murray, Dicks Announce Boeing Debrief to Happen this Week

Senator Murray Debunks Airbus Claims in Speech on the Senate Floor

Murray Questions Airbus Claims of Tanker Deal's Effect on U.S. Economy - Flashback: In 2003, Commerce Department Debunked Airbus Inflated Job Numbers, Found Only 500 of 10,000 Jobs European Company Claimed

Murray Encourages People to 'Join the Fight'

Air Force Tankers: Murray Decries Outsourcing of Jobs and Military Technology in Speech on Senate Floor

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