WASHINGTON – In light of today’s report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) today noted that the merit-based tanker procurement process, including protest and GAO review, is a robust process that does not require politicized interference from Congress.

“Taxpayers are best served when spending decisions are made through a transparent, competitive, and fair process,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “The GAO found that in this case there were significant defects that warrant reopening the bidding. From the taxpayer perspective, this is a process that works and proves Congressional meddling based on home-state politics in situations like this is unnecessary and counterproductive.”

“Americans are sick of pork-barrel politics. According to GAO, Boeing had legitimate complaints and those complaints have been addressed through a fair protest process without political interference.” Phillips said. “This outcome is a victory for doing things the right way. We praise Congress for correctly waiting on the sidelines of this issue before the GAO reported.”

In 2006, the Air Force held a competitive bid for a new tanker, awarding the contract to Northrop Grumman and its prime sub-contractor the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company for the KC-45A tanker in February 2008. Boeing Corporation protested the decision, resulting in the GAO investigation which today found ruled in Boeing’s favor.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org.