Linda Sánchez Speaks to Boeing Defense CEO About Saving Long Beach Jobs (Jan. 21 2011)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-39) spoke with Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, about how to reverse the proposed 900 Boeing lay-offs in Long Beach. The Boeing C-17 manufacturing facility in Long Beach is an important component of the regional economy and currently employs 3,700 Southern California residents.
"I have always been a strong supporter of the C-17 and proud that it is produced right here in Long Beach," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "This facility provides thousands of well-paying manufacturing jobs that support many Southern California families, and I plan to work with Boeing, Congress, and the Obama Administration to prevent as many of these proposed lay-offs as possible."
While on the call with Mr. Muilenburg, Congresswoman Sánchez, who is a member of the President's Export Council along with Boeing President and CEO W. James McNerney, offered her assistance in working with Congress and asked about several options that might help the plant remain operative, such as reforms to export controls and overseas promotion of the C-17. She also stressed the importance of these jobs to her constituents and the impact the job losses will have on the region. Muilenburg and Sánchez agreed to speak again soon and cooperate on efforts to avoid the planned lay-offs.
"To get our economy back on track we need to grow our manufacturing industry, not let it shrink through lay-offs and plant closings," continued Congresswoman Sánchez. "That is why I am committed to investing in education and infrastructure, to developing a long-term manufacturing strategy, and to ensuring that the Department of Commerce does all it can to help American businesses export their goods overseas."
The Boeing Globemaster III, commonly referred to as the C-17, is the workhorse of the Air Force and currently flies more than 70 percent of all U.S. airlift missions. Since its introduction in 1993, it has played a vital role in our national security and human relief efforts by delivering tanks, troops. and medical supplies across continents. Production of C-17s provides jobs not only at Boeing, but also at subcontractors and suppliers across the nation.
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