Bill would make Pentagon weigh WTO

A bill is being introduced that would force the Pentagon to consider World Trade Organization rulings when deciding defense contracts. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., plans to introduce the bill Thursday, according to an e-mail obtained by Reuters and verified by a congressional aide. The immediate impact would be in the $40 billion competition between Boeing and EADS to build tankers for the Air Force. Kevin Rozelsky, Boeing's director of legislative affairs, has approached some senators about supporting the bill. (Source: Reuters, 05/11/10) Gulf Coast note: EADS hopes to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala. Boeing wants to build them in Washington state.