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Tell Congress: U.S. Forces Deserve U.S. Tankers
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.
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. It also poses a threat to our military and economic security.
Boeing's KC-767 Advanced Tanker is clearly the better choice. Tell your Congressperson to "defund" the Air Force's contract with Airbus and support U.S. jobs by choosing Boeing's U.S.-made tanker.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: U.S. Forces Deserve U.S. Tankers
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to urge Congress to take any and all action necessary to overturn the U.S. Air Force's misguided award to the EADS-led consortium of a $40 billion aerial refueling contract, an award that could eventually grow to $100 billion.
Congress should "defund" the contract and conduct a full inquiry into the circumstances under which the contract was awarded to a foreign contractor.
Our military hardware should be labeled "Made in the U.S.A.", not made in Europe. 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.
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. With our economy teetering on the edge of recession our government should not be funding a $40 billion European stimulus plan.
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.
Furthermore, why would the U.S. grant a $40 billion contract to EADS for Air Force tankers while simultaneously suing EADS through the World Trade Organization for unfair and illegal development subsidies, which have given Airbus an unfair advantage?
Clearly, the Boeing KC-767 is the right choice for America. I urge Congress to "defund" the contract given to EADS and complete a thorough inquiry into the Air Force's decision.
Sincerely,
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