WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today released the following statement following the Air Force's initial decision to award the air refueling contract to a foreign company.

"I'm shocked at this decision and very disappointed," Brownback stated. "I'll be calling upon the Secretary of Defense for a full debriefing and expect there will be a protest of the award by Boeing. I also expect Congress will take a very long look at the selection process and criteria. I hope the decision will be reversed.

"It's stunning to me that we would outsource the production of these airplanes to Europe instead of building them in America."