As the release date approaches for the final request for proposals in the KC-X tanker competition (see above, KC-X RFP Target is Feb. 23), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has partially released the hold he put on White House nominees, now only holding back a few that reportedly have some bearing on the tanker program. According to a Shelby spokesman, the Senator has gotten the attention of the Obama Administration but will retain the remaining holds until after the KC-X RFP goes out. Shelby, who supports Northrop Grumman-EADS in the tanker competition, wants to ensure an open and fair process, said his spokesman. Those nominees still on hold include Erin Conaton for Air Force undersecretary; Terry Yonkers for assistant Air Force secretary, Installations, Environment, and Logistics; and Frank Kendall for principle deputy defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics. (Also read CongressDaily report; The New York Times report)
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.