Washington, D.C. - Today Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) commended Senator Patty Murray and Representative Norm Dicks for pulling the final strings on a deal that will result in thousands of new jobs.   The deal is a ten-year lease for 100 Boeing 767s that will be converted into tankers, creating new jobs while strengthening our military. 

“Many of us from Washington state worked behind the scenes to make this happen for workers in my district but Senator Murray and Congressman Dicks closed the deal,” Larsen said. “This is a giant first step down the path of economic recovery.”

He continued, “This deal will create thousands of jobs for hard working men and women.  It is the first ray of light in the Northwest’s economic storm.”

The airframes for the 767s will be built in Boeing’s Everett plant, located in Larsen’s district.

“This package kills two birds with one stone by aiding our ailing economy and strengthening our military force,” Larsen added.  “It is a smart investment and will save the Air Force much needed financial resources.”

Larsen’s district is home to Boeing’s Everett plant, where nearly thousands of employees were recently laid off.  Larsen sits on the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services.