House Armed Services Committee: Statement on Secretary Gates’ Tanker Announcement

House Armed Services Committee

Ike Skelton, Chairman http://armedservices.house.gov

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2008 Contact: Loren Dealy or Lara Battles

202-225-2539


Skelton Statement on Secretary Gates’ Tanker Announcement


Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement concerning the Secretary of Defense’s announcement on the KC-X Tanker contract:

“This morning, Secretary Gates and I discussed the Department of Defense’s new plan for selecting the Air Force’s next tanker. After further review, the Pentagon will re-play fourth down using a new quarterback.

“The capability provided by a new tanker is critical for our national security and for the safety of our aircrews. I have confidence in Secretary Young and I hope he can assemble the right people to move ahead with this important contract in a reasonable period of time.”