Frost Opposes Outsourcing the Transport of Troops and Equipment to Foreign Airlines
Frost Opposes Outsourcing the Transport of Troops and Equipment to Foreign Airlines
Frost Urges Secretary Rumsfeld to Reconsider DoD Proposal
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congressman Martin wrote Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld a strongly-worded letter expressing his opposition to the Department of Defense's new proposal that awards contracts to foreign airlines for the movement of troops and equipment. In the letter, Congressman Frost cited economic, safety and security concerns.
"This is something that simply should not, and cannot be outsourced," said Frost, a 26 year veteran of Congress and former Army Reservist. "In the past, transporting our troops has been a privilege reserved solely for American-owned airlines, and if we let foreign companies transport our troops, it will take away business from American companies, and expose our troops to safety and security risks."
[Below is the text of Congressman Frost's letter to Secretary Rumsfeld]
The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301
Dear Secretary Rumsfeld:
I am writing to urge you to reconsider the Department of Defense's proposal to award contracts to foreign airlines for the movement of troops and equipment.
In the past, this has been a privilege reserved solely for American-owned airlines. For years, the Pentagon and the airlines have maintained a unique relationship. I am sure you would agree that these airline companies played a crucial role in the current conflict in Iraq, as they successfully helped our nation by transporting 161,000 thousand tons of equipment and nearly half a million troops.
In recent years, the airline industry has suffered as a result of travelers' fears over terrorism and war, the spread of SARS, and a weakened economy. The United States Government should strive to improve the economic well being of our country by giving preference to American-owned companies. It is the responsibility of all agencies in the government to keep this goal in mind. Awarding Civil Reserve Fleet contracts to airlines in America is an important way we can address national security concerns while helping our nation's economy at the same time.
Again, I request that you reconsider your plan to award these contracts to foreign companies. Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response.