Hensarling Urges Tanker Oversight Move With Caution

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) is asking fellow members of Congress not to rush to judgment when reviewing the $35 billion air force tanker contract awarded to a group that includes the European Aeronautic Defence And Space Company (EADS).

Several House members have criticized the Defense Department for giving the contract to EADS and its U.S. partner Northrop Grumman and not to U.S.-based Boeing. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) has suggested that Congress block funding for the deal.

But Hensarling, chairman of the Republican Study Group, writes in his letter that the deal with EADS will still create American jobs. He adds that the debate should be over “which tanker serves our airmen best” and that overturning the Defense Department decision could risk setting off a trade war with other countries.

Boeing has filed a formal protest with the Government Accountability Office, which is scheduled to rule on the case by June 19.

Download Hensarling’s letter here.