Sen. Ron Johnson defends Boeing, downplays safety concerns

(NewsNation) — Sen. Ron Johnson defended Boeing and downplayed safety concerns raised by whistleblowers and lawmakers during a congressional hearing Tuesday, saying he still feels “relatively safe” flying on the company’s 737 Max jets.

The Republican from Wisconsin, who has a manufacturing background, said he understands the challenges of achieving perfection and that “life is a risk.” He argued the airlines have an economic incentive to maintain safety.

“I don’t want to unnecessarily concern the public,” Johnson said Tuesday on NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” after the hearing. “By and large, flying in an airplane is a pretty darn safe way of transportation.”

“I hop on a 737 at least twice a week,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s remarks came in response to questioning about new whistleblower allegations that Boeing used nonconforming parts on the 737 Max and that the Federal Aviation Administration gave Boeing too much time to fix safety issues.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologized during the hearing to the families of the 346 people killed in two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. Some family members shouted that Calhoun should be jailed.

“In fairness, Mr. Calhoun was not CEO at the moment of those 737 crashes,” Johnson told NewsNation.

Lawmakers grilled Calhoun about the whistleblower allegations. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., asked Calhoun to confirm reports he received a 45% raise last year despite the problems.

Johnson expressed an understanding of the “enormous challenges” facing Boeing and the airline industry in achieving manufacturing perfection.

He cited the company’s struggles with an aging workforce lacking expertise, difficulties in hiring experienced aerospace workers and problems with suppliers providing nonconforming parts.

Johnson said people involved in the airline industry are trying to prevent crashes, though they are “not perfect.” He was disappointed Calhoun couldn’t provide details about any Boeing employees disciplined for retaliating against whistleblowers.