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Some members of Congress focus their arguments on the American jobs supported by the bids, which opens a window on their pork-barrel motivations. Quite simply, some members of Congress-from both camps supporting the competing bids-see a $35 billion procurement of a vital national security asset as an opportunity to bring home the bacon for their home districts in the form of jobs.

It might seem natural for members of Congress to want any major project to be steered to their home districts, for the benefit of their constituents. But that's what created explosive growth in pork-barrel earmarks in the first place, and that's why earmark reform is so important. Spending decisions, at the level of selecting specific contractors, should be left to the relevant agencies to be made through a merit-based, competitive process. That's the only way to get the political motivations of Congress out of the picture and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent for the benefit of all Americans, not just those whose representatives have the greatest political influence.

The integrity of the federal procurement process is at stake here. Congress should maintain a hands off approach until the GAO has completed its investigation, and unless that investigation shows defects that would justify reopening the bidding, the contract with Northrop Grumman should stand. The Air Force needs a new tanker; this is the one it wants, and if the GAO gives its seal of approval to the process, Congressional pork-barrel politics should not cause another delay.

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Phil Kerpen is policy director for Americans for Prosperity.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

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