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Air Force Tanker Deal Riles Lawmakers Many in Congress are furious about the Air Force awarding a $35 billion air tanker contract to a consortium of European and American companies, and some are now threatening to fight its funding. But senators from Alabama, where the consortium would bring thousands of jobs, are celebrating.

Air Force Tanker Deal Riles Lawmakers

Heard on All Things Considered

Air Force Tanker Deal Riles Lawmakers

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Many in Congress are furious about the Air Force awarding a $35 billion air tanker contract to a consortium of European and American companies, and some are now threatening to fight its funding.

Lawmakers from two states — Kansas and Washington — where Boeing Co. had hoped to build its now-rejected tanker, denounced the award as a "European economic stimulus package" and worse.

But senators from Alabama, where the consortium would bring thousands of jobs, are celebrating.