WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, signaled he’s giving serious consideration to a proposal that would split the contract to build the next fleet of aerial refueling tankers between Boeing and the Northrop Grumman/EADS team. Defense Secretary Robert Gates opposes a split buy, but some congressional leaders think it may be the only way to get the purchase moving forward. (Source: Government Executive.com, 04/22/09) Gulf Coast note: The Mobile Press-Register reported Wednesday that Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala., also called for a split buy, saying it may be the best way to move the stalled program. EADS plans to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala., if it wins all or part of the contract.
