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Boeing CEO Has Time to Speak at Export-Import “Pep Rally” But Refuses Invitation to Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON, Apr 22 -

The Boeing Company’s Chairman and CEO, who is in Washington on Thursday to speak at the Export-Import Bank’s annual conference, has refused an invitation to appear at a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Ex-Im.

“Boeing is by far the Export-Import Bank’s biggest beneficiary and its most ardent supporter. So it is extremely disappointing that Boeing’s CEO refuses to appear before our committee for a hearing about the public policy and economic rationale for the Bank,” said Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX). “We invited both the CEO of Boeing and the CEO of Delta Air Lines to appear before us to make their cases and answer questions. Delta has accepted the invitation but Boeing informed us it is declining, despite our accommodation of Mr. McNerney to move the hearing from a subcommittee to the full committee. Delta and other domestic businesses have been vocal that Ex-Im’s credit activities are harming U.S. jobs, particularly in the airline industry.

“It is both curious and disappointing that Boeing’s CEO can make the time to appear at what amounts to nothing more than a pep rally for Ex-Im’s reauthorization, but is unwilling to make the case in a public forum open to congressional questioning.

“Despite Boeing’s refusal, the Financial Services Committee still intends to continue holding hearings on the Export-Import Bank, with at least one full committee hearing in late May or June.”

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