For Immediate Release:

Friday, October 17, 2003

“Since the late 1970s, workers in the Puget Sound have been building the 757, one of the premiere planes in the sky. Over the past twenty-five years, thousands of Washington state Boeing workers have been a part of this proud legacy.

Yesterday we learned that the 757 line would be closed. This news falls hardest upon the men and women who have already suffered from the lingering economic downturn.

The end of the 757 line puts an even greater premium on the 100-plane 767 tanker deal and for Washington state to win the 7E7 construction contract.

I’ve been working for the past two years so that our brave men and women in uniform can fly safer aircraft as they carry out their dangerous missions for our country. We’ve made a very strong case for the tanker deal, and we have received the support of key committees in Congress.

Leasing new air refueling tankers is the right thing to do for our state, our nation and our Air Force.

I will also continue to do all I can to ensure that Boeing builds the new 7E7 composite plane in our state. Washington state is the obvious choice. I’m optimistic that Boeing will stay in Washington and stick with highest skilled, most productive workforce in the nation.”