[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       AIR FORCE TANKER DECISION

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Air Force's 
decision to award the tanker contract to EADS/Northrup Grumman (NG) 
instead of Boeing.
  I understand that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is 
reviewing that award and a decision is expected this week.
  I wanted to highlight that the footprint of the EADS tanker is 53 
percent larger than the Boeing version, requiring much more military 
construction money for larger runways, taxiways, and hangars.
  Further, Boeing would create 28,707 jobs per year at full production, 
at least twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/NG, which would support an 
estimated 14,353 jobs if it were to win the contract. Boeing's KC-767 
would create twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/Northrop. The EADS award 
will result in ``loss'' of new jobs.
  At a time when unemployment is skyrocketing in the US, I believe we 
should be fighting to maintain as many jobs here in the US instead of 
sending them overseas.
  It has come to light that the Air Force did not review the impact of 
the contract award on US jobs and I believe this is an important 
component given that should the contract go to EADS/NG, we would be 
sending billions of American taxpayers' money overseas at a time when 
the US economy is faltering. I question whether the EADS tanker 
provides the best value for our military and the American taxpayer.
  I do not support this contract being awarded to EADS because of its 
adverse affects on American jobs and I question whether it will meet 
the long term requirements of our military.

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