Smith Statement on Air Force Refueling Tanker Decision

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Air Force's decision to award a long-anticipated contract to build aerial refueling tankers to Northrop Grumman/EADS rather than Boeing:

"I am very disappointed in the Air Force's decision on the tanker contract. While I am sure that the Air Force's process was fair and open, I look forward to reading in detail their justification, as the Defense Department had previously identified Boeing tankers as highly-rated, cost-effective updates to the force. Our regional producer had a very competitive bid, and I am disappointed that the Air Force did not select our home-grown, innovative solution to their needs."