Pork.......................maybe. Big Government Social Programs that would make FDR proud??? Yes. That's my biggest beef.
BTW, it's Boeing........and it was no "gift". Take it from one who has beaucoup hours in Boeing aircraft: they make the finest heavies, and by FAR the finest tankers on the face of the earth. It's also high time we leased such aircraft rather than buy them. I know. I was flying aircraft that were only a couple years younger than me........and I was born in the mid 50's. Lease 'em, and you turn them as technology dictates far more readily. Been done for years in other industries.
You obviously are not well read up on the Boeing deal. The lease cost 21 Billion for a fixed term. Buying them cost 15 Billion and maintance was to be paid for by the Air Force reguardless.
The only advantage the 767 had was 20% greater capacity. Large Airplanes can last far longer than cars. Most comercial Aircraft are at least 20 years old. These old tankers are still in great shape and with 3 Billion of upgrades would have the same insturmentation as new planes. Smaller planes also have advantages in some situations. More planes can be refulled at once.
The Air Force was not requesting these planes and has better ways to spend 18 Billion anyway.
No this is a Gift pure and simple. Furthermore Boing is under several criminal investigations and has been found guilty of fruad. They were recently punnished with a contract given to another company.