Alabama and Kansas Lawmakers Clashed Over 2008 Tanker Legislation
Archived WKRG coverage reported competing Alabama and Kansas congressional views over proposed legislation affecting the 2008 tanker contract.
In June 2008, the dispute over the aerial-refueling tanker contract produced competing congressional arguments from Alabama and Kansas, according to an archived local news 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.
The station 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.
Where the fight stood
Tiahrt represented the Wichita area, where Boeing’s plan called for converting its 767-based tankers for military use. The Northrop Grumman/EADS tanker, based on the Airbus A330 and designated the KC-45, was to be assembled in Mobile.
Within weeks of the exchange, on June 18, 2008, the Government Accountability Office sustained parts of Boeing’s protest of the award and recommended a new competition. The Pentagon later canceled that rebid in September 2008, and after a further competition the contract went to Boeing in February 2011.
