Two US senators are calling on the Department of Justice to take stricter action against Boeing executives in response to safety issues affecting the company’s airplanes. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal urged the department to criminally hold accountable those at Boeing responsible for compromising passenger safety.
The senators expressed concern over the department’s previous failures to bring about meaningful change at Boeing due to a lack of criminal prosecutions against implicated individuals. They highlighted the need to end the trend of corporate executives evading legal consequences for misconduct, particularly when it comes at the expense of customer and worker safety.
Boeing has declined to comment on the matter. The senators’ call for action comes ahead of a federal hearing related to Boeing’s agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy regarding the 737 Max jetliner, which was involved in two fatal crashes resulting in the deaths of 346 people. Some families of the crash victims have objected to the plea deal, advocating for Boeing to face a trial that could lead to harsher penalties.
The Justice Department defended the conspiracy charge as the most severe offence it could substantiate, stating a lack of evidence linking Boeing’s actions to the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Critics argue that the settlement fails to adequately address the loss of lives and suggest a lenient approach towards Boeing due to its significant government contracts. As part of the agreement, Boeing is set to pay a minimum fine of $243.6 million, invest $455 million in compliance and safety initiatives, and be placed on probation for three years.
Boeing has been grappling with a series of safety concerns, including recent urgent recommendations from federal investigators regarding the 737 Max jetliner. Concerns were raised about pedals becoming jammed due to moisture leakage in the rudder assembly. In a separate incident, a door plug blew off a 737 Max shortly after takeoff, causing decompression that forced the cockpit door open. Despite these incidents, no major injuries were reported, and the aircraft was safely landed.
Overall, the senators’ plea for the Department of Justice to take stronger action against Boeing executives underscores the ongoing importance of holding corporations accountable for safety lapses that endanger both passengers and workers.