Congress to investigate multi-million pound Airbus deal
04-03-2008
Congress will examine the US air force's decision to award a multi-billion pound aerial tanker contract to the parent company of Airbus.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that lawmakers would investigate the national security implications of using an aircraft supplied by a foreign firm and the consequences for US jobs.
Ms Pelosi said in a statement: "The air force's decision to award the contract for a much-needed modernisation of the nation's aerial tanker fleet to Northrop Grumman and Airbus raises serious questions that Congress must examine thoroughly.
"Given the ramifications of this decision for the United States, the air force must explain to Congress how it meets the long-term needs of our military and the American people," she added.
According to Ms Pelosi, the air force must explain to congress whether the risks associated with choosing a conceptual design over a proven capability were properly assessed.
The US government said Friday it was awarding the deal for a fleet of in-flight refuelling craft to Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), which owns Airbus, and Northrop Grumman, instead of Boeing.
It is potentially worth up to £20 billion, making it one of the largest deals of recent years.
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