A key senator accuses Boeing leaders of putting profits over safety. Her committee plans hearings
ABC News
Congress is getting involved in examining safety at Boeing after a panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner in midflight
WASHINGTON -- Congress is poised to join the scrutiny of Boeing, with a key senator blasting the company's leadership on Wednesday and saying she plans to hold hearings on safety lapses at the aircraft maker.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., met with Boeing CEO David Calhoun to discuss incidents, including one this month in which a panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner as it flew 3 miles (5 kilometers) above Oregon.
Cantwell said she told Calhoun that quality engineering and safety must be the company's top priorities.
“The American flying public and Boeing line workers deserve a culture of leadership at Boeing that puts safety ahead of profits,” said Cantwell, who represents the state where Boeing assembles 737s.
Cantwell said the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, which she chairs, will hold hearings "to investigate the root causes of these safety lapses.” No dates were announced.
