As the release date approaches for the final request for proposals in the KC-X tanker competition (see above, KC-X RFP Target is Feb. 23), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has partially released the hold he put on White House nominees, now only holding back a few that reportedly have some bearing on the tanker program. According to a Shelby spokesman, the Senator has gotten the attention of the Obama Administration but will retain the remaining holds until after the KC-X RFP goes out. Shelby, who supports Northrop Grumman-EADS in the tanker competition, wants to ensure an open and fair process, said his spokesman. Those nominees still on hold include Erin Conaton for Air Force undersecretary; Terry Yonkers for assistant Air Force secretary, Installations, Environment, and Logistics; and Frank Kendall for principle deputy defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics. (Also read CongressDaily report; The New York Times report)
House, Senate Unveil Competing Proposals for 2026 Budget
July 11, 2025
Lawmakers from the House and Senate laid out competing versions of the annual defense policy bill on July 11, with vastly different potential outcomes for some of the Air Force’s most embattled programs.