Pentagon Can Protect $150 Million With New Defense Contract

Here is the full letter that was sent to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on September 2, 2011:

Dear Secretary Panetta,

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is deeply concerned that a foreign-based aeronautics company, Embraer, has emerged with Hawker Beechcraft, as a frontrunner for the impending Air Force’s Light Air Support and Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance contracts. Given TPA’s commitment to the preservation of fiscal responsibility, we urge the Department of Defense and the United States Air Force to buy American, and select Hawker Beechcraft for Light Air Support and Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance needs.

TPA has always held politicians accountable for government waste, fraud, and abuse of tax dollars.  Awarding this contract and sending taxpayer dollars to Brazil is an irresponsible and negligent use of hard earned American tax revenue. This is especially true when there is a domestic alternative that will create and sustain American jobs, support the American economy and save tax dollars.   If the Department of Defense selects the Embraer plane in the coming weeks, taxpayers will be risking more than $150 million at a time when there are no resources to spare.  The Obama Administration must do everything within its power to foster job creation and restore the country to economic prosperity.

Another concern is that the Brazilian government has a “golden share” in Embraer.   This “golden share” essentially translates into operational control of the company.  Not only does this put tax dollars at risk with the Brazilian company, but also could threaten US national security.  This essentially gives the Brazilian government the ability to make decisions, including slowing or shutting down production for the company that cannot be stopped by other shareholders.

Hawker Beechcraft’s proposal would secure tax dollars and create and sustain more than one thousand American-based jobs.  Awarding this contract will help local economies and American workers who are struggling in these difficult economic times.

In order to adequately protect national security and tax dollars, the Department of Defense should award the contract to Hawker Beechcraft.  That decision will protect more than $150 million in taxpayer dollars.  That is a true win-win for the defense of the country and taxpayers.

Sincere Regards,

David Williams

President