Senate Democrats press DOJ to prosecute Boeing executives over passenger safety

Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Boeing executives in a letter Wednesday, accusing the company of putting profits over safety.

“For years, the federal government has accused Boeing of putting profits over passenger safety, without pursuing full accountability from the company or the company’s executives directly responsible for compromising passenger safety,” the lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

“[T]he combination of a relatively small fine coupled with a toothless commitment to improve aircraft safety has proven insufficient to effect real change at the company," the duo added.

The lawmakers also noted that in the last six years, Boeing has cycled through three CEOs.

Last month, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker testified before the Senate regarding Boeing shortfalls. A memo from the agency highlighted the aircraft manufacturer's inadequate training for personnel and failure to conduct sufficient quality inspections.

Boeing has seen multiple, highly public technical failures this year, including the mid-air blowout of a door plug from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January. The Boeing 737-9 MAX made an emergency return landing at Portland’s airport with no fatalities. Passengers were shaken, and several required short term medical care for apparently non-life-threatening injuries.

Whitaker’s testimony also came after 33,000 Boeing machinists went on strike. The company had made what it termed its “best and final” offer to their union, proposing a timeline for wage hikes and increased retirement contributions.

When contacted, Boeing declined to comment.

The Hill has also reached out to the FAA and DOJ.