Boeing supporters on Capitol Hill greeted Thursday’s KC-X decision. “Today’s long-awaited decision by the Pentagon is the right one for our military, our taxpayers, and our nation’s aerospace workers,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), in whose state Boeing manufactures the 767, upon which the KC-46A is based. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), whose state also has a sizable Boeing presence, credited the Air Force in his statement for choosing “the most highly-skilled, experienced workforce to build the tanker.” The tone was different from Alabama lawmakers, whose state would have hosted EADS North America’s KC-45 assembly site. “EADS clearly offers the more capable aircraft. If this decision stands, our warfighters will not get the superior equipment they deserve,” said Sen. Richard Shelby (R). “Unfortunately, the best tanker for our military was not selected. I intend to demand a full accounting as to why,” stated Rep. Jo Bonner (R) in a release. See also:
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) statement
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz), SASC ranking member, statement
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) statement
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), HASC ranking member, statement
HASC leadership statement