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A Resolution Opposing the U.S. Air Force Decision to Award a $40 Billion Aerial Refueling Tanker Contract to a Team Led by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
Whereas, the U.S. Air Force’s recent decision to award a $40 billion aerial refueling tanker contract to a team led by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), rather than Boeing, will have a devastating impact on America’s industrial base; and whereas, the Air Force’s decision will result in the initial transfer of $40 billion in technology and jobs, which will grow to $100 billion over the life of the contract, to our nation’s chief rival in the aerospace industry, posing a threat to our military and economic security; and whereas, our military hardware should be labeled "Made in the U.S.A.", not made in Europe; and whereas, Boeing's KC-767 tanker would be built with over 85 percent domestic U.S. content and would support more than 44,000 U.S. jobs and 300 contractors in over forty states; and whereas, the EADS proposed tanker, based on the Airbus A330, will be constructed of European built components that will be shipped to the U.S. for final assembly and will result in significantly fewer American jobs than the Boeing tanker; and whereas, our government should not be funding a $40 billion European stimulus plan, as our own nation's economy teeters on the edge of recession; and whereas, Boeing's KC-767 tanker will enable the Air Force to perform its vital mission more effectively, while strengthening the U.S. industrial base and increasing the good paying jobs essential for America�s economic well-being; and whereas, EADS is currently being sued the government through the World Trade Organization for unfair and illegal development subsidies, which have given Airbus an unfair advantage; and whereas, the Boeing’s KC-767 Advanced Tanker is clearly the better choice;
be it hereby resolved, that the Iosco County Democratic Party oppose this decision and urge Congress to take any and all action necessary to overturn the U.S. Air Force's misguided award to the EADS-led consortium and conduct a full and thorough inquiry into the circumstances under which the contract was awarded to a foreign contractor.
Adopted by the Iosco County Democratic Party June 12, 2008 Sandra Shelton Secretary |