The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Monday kicked off a hearing on Boeing Co's (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) protest of a $35 billion U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft contract won by Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and its European subcontractor EADS (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research).

A GAO spokesman confirmed the start of the hearing, but gave no details. The congressional agency, which reviews contract disputes, is due to rule on the case by June 19.

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