Recognizing Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 667

RECOGNIZING MISSISSIPPI SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 667 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 14, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING
OF MISSISSIPPI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

* Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, today I submit into the RECORD Concurrent Resolution No. 667 adopted by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution urges the United States Congress to accept the decision of the United States Air Force concerning the award of the jet tanker contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation and EADS North America. Each day we delay approving this contract, we prevent the Air Force men and women from receiving the equipment necessary to ensure our national security. I encourage my colleagues to review this resolution.

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 667

Whereas, after an extensive evaluation process, the United States Air Force awarded a $35 Billion jet tanker contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation and EADS North America; and

Whereas, these vital military aircraft will be built at Mobile Brookley Field Industrial Complex, creating more than 2,000 new jobs for workers in the States of Mississippi and Alabama; and

Whereas, efforts to overturn the decision of the United States Air Force concerning its detailed analysis are irresponsible and a true threat to our national security; it is imperative that elected officials support the decision makers whom they entrust with these important determinations; and

Whereas, Mississippi workers are ready, able and eager to begin constructing the aircraft that the Untied States Air Force has rated as superior in five-out-of-five categories, and the interest of national defense should clearly rule over regional political posturing: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of Mississippi, the House of Representatives concurring therein, That the United States Congress is respectfully encouraged to accept the decision of the United States Air Force concerning the awarding of the jet tanker contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation and EADS North America, refrain from turning this vital national security matter into a political free-for-all, and allow the competent and capable workers of Mississippi to immediately begin work on this critical contract. Be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to members of Mississippi's congressional delegation and to the Secretary of Defense and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

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