On Capitol Hill today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), are holding a press conference to attempt to sway the Pentagon, which, so far, has refused to consider the interim World Trade Organization ruling that Airbus illegally received European Union subsidies in developing some of its aircraft, in the KC-X tanker contract deliberations. (Brownback release) All four lawmakers support Boeing, which has said the Airbus subsidies have given the Northrop Grumman-EADS team an unfair advantage. (EADS is parent to Airbus.) In its latest response to questions over the draft request for proposals, USAF has simply referred to its statement in the RFP that the WTO dispute is not relevant. (RTQ Nov. 13, 2009, see p. 8) (For more RTQ, see Nov. 10 responses, Oct. 30 responses, Oct. 23 responses, and Keeping Up With KC-X Tidbits)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.