November 2, 2009

Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt today along with Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash) spearheaded a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to ensure a fair, open and transparent process in the Air Force’s procurement of a new aerial refueling tanker.

The letter asks President Obama to utilize his authority under U.S. law and trade agreements to support American workers and ensure the Air Force takes into consideration the recent World Trade Organization interim ruling that Airbus SAS has received illegal subsidies as part of its large aircraft development process. The bipartisan letter also includes signatures from 39 other House colleagues.

Congressman Tiahrt said, “Despite international confirmation that Airbus has received illegal subsidies to build its aircraft, the Air Force has made it clear they will ignore these findings in the new RFP for the KC-X tanker competition. Airbus should have been disqualified from competing for the tanker contract from the start. However, if the Air Force insists on allowing them to compete, then they should ensure a fair and level playing field by taking into account illegal Airbus subsidies. It is imperative that President Obama instruct the Department of Defense to take Airbus’ illegal subsides into account as they develop the final RFP. When this happens, American workers will prevail, and we can proceed with an American-built aerial refueling tanker.”

Congressman Inslee said, “We must give American workers and American business a level playing field -- not only will we compete but we will produce the best aircraft in the world,” said Rep. Inslee. “Given the recent interim ruling by the WTO, it is clear that the illegal subsidies Airbus received gives it an unacceptable advantage in the tanker competition, and we would be remiss if we did not address this inequity. It is illogical to have the United States Trade Representative fighting to have trade rules enforced while the Air Force ignores the same to the detriment of American workers.”

The tanker contract is worth $35 billion, and, if Boeing wins it, could create hundreds of jobs in Kansas.