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)
The Air Force cannot afford its three marquee air combat and mobility programs simultaneously, but should be given the resources to do so, Secretary Frank Kendall said.