[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING MISSISSIPPI SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 667

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2008

  Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, today I submit into the Record 
Concurrent Resolution No. 667 adopted by the Mississippi Senate and 
House of Representatives. The resolution urges the United States 
Congress to accept the decision of the United States Air Force 
concerning the award of the jet tanker contract to Northrop Grumman 
Corporation and EADS North America. Each day we delay approving this 
contract, we prevent the Air Force men and women from receiving the 
equipment necessary to ensure our national security. I encourage my 
colleagues to review this resolution.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 667

       Whereas, after an extensive evaluation process, the United 
     States Air Force awarded a $35 Billion jet tanker contract to 
     Northrop Grumman Corporation and EADS North America; and
       Whereas, these vital military aircraft will be built at 
     Mobile Brookley Field Industrial Complex, creating more than 
     2,000 new jobs for workers in the States of Mississippi and 
     Alabama; and
        Whereas, efforts to overturn the decision of the United 
     States Air Force concerning its detailed analysis are 
     irresponsible and a true threat to our national security; it 
     is imperative that elected officials support the decision 
     makers whom they entrust with these important determinations; 
     and
        Whereas, Mississippi workers are ready, able and eager to 
     begin constructing the aircraft that the Untied States Air 
     Force has rated as superior in five-out-of-five categories, 
     and the interest of national defense should clearly rule over 
     regional political posturing: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the State of Mississippi, the 
     House of Representatives concurring therein, That the United 
     States Congress is respectfully encouraged to accept the 
     decision of the United States Air Force concerning the 
     awarding of the jet tanker contract to Northrop Grumman 
     Corporation and EADS North America, refrain from turning this 
     vital national security matter into a political free-for-all, 
     and allow the competent and capable workers of Mississippi to 
     immediately begin work on this critical contract. Be it 
     further
       Resolved, That this resolution be transmitted by the 
     Secretary of the Senate to members of Mississippi's 
     congressional delegation and to the Secretary of Defense and 
     be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

                          ____________________