WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL) today made the following statement after the release of the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the expedited re-competition of the tanker contract:

“By releasing the draft RFP a few days ahead of schedule, Secretary Gates has once again underscored the importance of this procurement and the importance of building tankers.  I am hopeful that this draft RFP, while addressing the concerns of the GAO, will maintain a level playing field for both competitors, and I look forward to seeing the Northrop Grumman tanker reaffirmed as the more modern, more capable aircraft.”

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For Immediate Release: August 6, 2008