Sessions raises fairness issue in tanker

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., introduced legislation to block funding for the tanker program until the Pentagon releases pricing data to Northrop Grumman from the first round of competition. The Pentagon last week opened a rematch between Boeing and the Northrop/EADS team for the contract. But Northrop says the new competition is unfair because the Air Force denied its request to see details of Boeing's previous bid, although Boeing was allowed to see Northrop's pricing data after the initial competition last year. Northrop/EADS plans to assemble the tankers in Mobile if the team wins the next competition. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/02/09)