Washington, DC – Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), ranking member of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding today’s decision by  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to cancel the request for proposal for the Air Force’s new aerial refueling tanker, deferring the solicitation and decision to the next administration.

“Because of the Air Force’s changes to the bid parameter more time is needed for contractors to develop proposals.  By recognizing this need and allowing this time, the Air Force has taken an important step in renewing faith in a tarnished acquisition process.

“I continue to believe that the KC-767 is the option that benefits our warfighters and taxpayers the most.  Given its lower lifecycle costs and greater survivability, the KC-767 has much to recommend it. 

“Moreover it will be built by an American contractor.  To ignore the cost to our national security of outsourcing major defense contracts would be irresponsible and costly.

“Stopping the selection process and starting over with a clean slate will hopefully help restore confidence in the Air Force’s acquisition process and get the Air Force the best possible tanker.”