WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today released the following statement after the Department of Defense (DoD) issued the new draft request for proposals (RFP) for the $35 billion aerial tanker re-competition.

"Last week the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee told the Department of Defense to fairly and accurately address each of the Government Accountability Office’s recommendations for the KC-X Tanker re-competition," said Tiahrt.

"Today the Department of Defense (DoD) took the next step and released the new draft Request for Proposal (RFP). After talking with senior officials at the Department of Defense and reviewing some of the changes made to the draft RFP, I continue to have strong reservations about the RFP. Although the DoD has made strides in heeding the Committee’s direction, several of the changes made to the RFP raise serious concerns.

"I will continue to examine the draft RFP to ensure it complies with my concerns, as well as the Committee’s directives, and look forward to continuing dialogue with my colleagues and senior Administration officials on the way forward. It is imperative this new draft RFP be fair, unbiased, and provides a fair opportunity for the American worker."