Boeing crash victims' families protest as CEO testifies in Congress
Gathering outside Capitol Hill and carrying photos of their loved ones, families of victims who died in two crashes on Boeing 737 Max aircraft made their voices heard, demanding accountability from the plane maker for its shoddy safety record. That safety, that number one priority of Boeing, of their CEOs, of their management, of their engineer doesn't mean anything when 346 people died. If there's no risk of jail time for these decision makers who play with our lives, then there will be no change. After a scathing introduction by Boeing critics, Senator Richard Blumenthal CEO David Calhoun made his first testimony before Congress since January, when the door of an Alaska Airlines plane blew out mid flight. Insisting on the company's desire to improve, Calhoun took a grilling from lawmakers about cutting corners on quality. You're proud of this safety record. I am proud of every action we have taken. Every action you've taken. Yes, Sir. Wow. Wow. There's some news for you. But he also admitted the company had retaliated against whistleblowers. Senator, I don't have that number on the tip of my tongue, but I know it. I know it happens. I know it happens. His response came as another Boeing whistleblower, a quality assurance employee, came forward before the hearing accusing the aviation giant of using defective parts in its 737 Max jets and that he was instructed to conceal evidence when aviation authorities came to inspect. According to Senator Blumenthal, there is overwhelming evidence for Boeing to be prosecuted. The Department of Justice has until July 7th to decide the next step.