McDermott statement on Boeing tanker decision

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)

Statement

GAO Decision on Tanker

June 18, 2008

I've said from the beginning that Boeing can compete against anyone, anywhere, so long as the process is fair, and now we know that Boeing didn't get a fair shake in the tanker selection process. 

The U.S. Air Force tanker selection process should have been all about fairness, but the GAO ruled today that the process was not fair - not to Boeing, not to Boeing employees and not to the American people.  GAO looked at the facts and I appreciate and applaud their conclusion.  The Government Accountability Office is the independent, investigative arm of Congress and their decision proves beyond doubt that the Air Force process was fatally flawed and should be grounded. 

This is a great day for Boeing employees and the American people and, importantly, the GAO decision affirms that the checks and balances we have in place to prevent improper and unfair decisions involving taxpayer money do work.

I look forward to my 7th Congressional District Boeing constituents competing in a fair and open process to provide the Air Force with a new refueling tanker to help protect and strengthen America's defenses in the decades ahead.

In the meantime, Congress must not appropriate any funding under any previous contract for a tanker until a full and fair re-bidding process occurs, and I'll be working closely with my colleagues to ensure the Air Force gets the message.

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