The leaders of the House Armed Services Committee and the panel’s Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee today issued a joint statement in response to the Department of Defense’s announcement that it has selected a provider for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Tanker.  The statement, issued by Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman Todd Akin (R-Mo.), and Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.), follows:

“Today’s announcement moves us closer to providing the world's premier aerial fighting forces with a new and much-needed aerial refueling capability.  Our primary goal on the Armed Services Committee is to provide our military’s men and women with the resources they need in the most effective and efficient way possible. 

“Moving forward, the committee will continue the necessary oversight to ensure the evaluation was transparent and fair to each competitor.  We look forward to receiving more information from the Air Force as we review their decision-making processes.  The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee will hold a hearing on this issue as soon as enough information is publicly available.”

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