Slattery Praises Decision to Rebid Tanker Contract: Criticizes Roberts for Failing to Do Job
"This is not only great news for Boeing, but it's the right decision," Slattery said. "It is my hope that once the contract is re-bid it will be awarded to Boeing and that Boeing will continue to play an integral role in the production of military equipment so essential to protecting our nation."
Slattery highlighted earlier actions that could have been taken to prevent the contract being awarded to Northrop Grumman. In 2005, "Buy American" provisions were removed from the 2006 Defense Authorization Bill that allowed Northrop Grumman/EADS to compete for the Air Force tanker contract.
"Roberts had two chances to fight for Boeing and Kansas," Slattery said. "First as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and then as a member of the conference committee. On both occasions, Roberts failed to fight for the inclusion of the Buy American' provisions."
Slattery asserted Roberts should be retired for failing to do his job.
Slattery said, "Boeing was forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars appealing the Air Force's decision in order to clean up a mess that could have been prevented had Pat Roberts done his job."
Slattery points to Roberts' television advertisements claiming support for Boeing.
"Election year advertisements will not cover up the fact that when Pat Roberts had the chance to ensure the contract was awarded to an American company, he did not act."