WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) and U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today sent a letter to Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter urging him to maintain the integrity of the KC-X Tanker program and reject blackmail efforts to re-write the warfighter requirements that would skew the competition towards the French tanker.

Click here to read the full text of the letter to Secretary Carter.

Tiahrt said, "The Air Force undoubtedly knows the essential requirements for a medium size tanker and the warfighter better than Senator McCain or any competitor and should reject all blackmail attempts to skew this competition towards the French tanker. If Airbus decides it cannot meet the needs of the Air Force, the Department of Defense should not delay in awarding the contract to the American-made Boeing KC-767."

Brownback said, "The Air Force cannot afford to delay the tanker acquisition process based on one company’s threat not to bid. Replacing the tanker is a top Air Force priority, and the competition needs to continue on schedule, regardless of whether the Europeans choose to compete."

Roberts said, "Once again, we urge the Department of Defense to draft an RFP to acquire a tanker that best meets the requirements of our Military. We will continue to monitor every step in the process."

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