Washington, D.C.-U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement following the announcement by Northrop Grumman that the company would not compete to build the U.S. Air Force's KC-X aerial refueling tanker:

"I'm disappointed that Northrop Grumman has decided not to submit a proposal to build the Air Force's next generation aerial refueling tanker. Northrop Grumman is a long-standing partner to our service men and women and is an important part of nation's defense industrial base.

"I hope Northrop reconsiders its decision in the coming weeks. I still believe that competition produces the most effective solutions for our warfighters and ensures the best value for U.S. taxpayers."