Pelosi: Congress Must Examine Air Force Aerial Tanker Contract to Northrop Grumman and Airbus

March 3, 2008
Press Release
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the Air Force's decision to award a multi-billion dollar aerial tanker contract to Northop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, the parent company of Airbus:

'The Air Force's decision to award the contract for a much-needed modernization of the nation's aerial tanker fleet to Northrop Grumman and Airbus raises serious questions that Congress must examine thoroughly:

  • What are the national security implications of using an aircraft supplied by a foreign firm for this essential mission?

  • Were the risks associated with choosing a conceptual design over a proven capability properly assessed?

  • Was sufficient consideration given to the impact of the contract award on jobs in Americaand on our technological base?

'Given the ramifications of this decision for the United States, the Air Force must explain to Congress how it meets the long-term needs of our military and the American people.'