Key lawmaker wants Boeing and Northrop to share $35B contract

It seems a bit odd to me that Congress would split such a large governmental contract for defense at this time. Wouldn't it be more cost-effective to give it the best bid from one of the companies than minimize the total capability of both projects? If Boeing had not originally put in the best bid then they should not be given any funding if they cannot build good tankers for a lesser cost to the American public. This is simply an instance of a powerful lobbying group making its way into the legislative process and getting what it wants.