Historical report, published from archived WKRG coverage.
In June 2008, the dispute over the aerial-refueling tanker contract produced competing congressional arguments from Alabama and Kansas, according to an archived WKRG report.
Kansas Rep. Todd Tiahrt backed the proposed Tanker Recompete Act, which he said would stop the existing Northrop Grumman/EADS award, potentially award the contract to Boeing, or require a new competition based on the original requirements. He also cited concerns about industrial-base and job impacts.
Alabama Rep. Jo Bonner rejected the proposal, arguing that it would improperly limit the Air Force’s choice of aircraft. WKRG also reported that the Mobile County Commission and Clear Channel radio were promoting a local tanker-discussion program about the contract dispute.
This historical article reports the competing views at the time and does not address later legislative or procurement outcomes.