Is it possible that the Air Force did this on purpose, forcing congress to make the final decision???
SO the Air Force really wanted the Boeing product, but in order to circumvent the EADS lobby they awarded to them knowing that Congress will not go for it....
If my speculation is true, someone in the Air Force is pretty sharp.
I think it would create much greater tensions with the EU if the EADS KC-45 contract were cancelled and given to Boeing than if Boeing won it in the first place.