At Tuesday's hearing, U.S. Senators harshly questioned Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, expressing doubt about his apologies and accountability for the emergency incident involving an airplane in January. These gestures were intended to comfort families who lost loved ones in two 737 MAX crashes. While being interrogated by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee, Senators repeatedly mentioned his compensation, Boeing's safety culture, and why he chose to retire at the end of the year instead of resigning immediately.
In response to sharp questions from Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Calhoun said he was proud of every action he had taken. Hawley questioned why he hadn't resigned and accused him of reaping millions while plundering Boeing.
In 2023, Calhoun's total compensation rose to $32.8 million, a 45% increase from $22.6 million the previous year.
This was Calhoun's first time answering questions before lawmakers. The hearing focused on Boeing's deteriorating safety reputation and his announcement in March to retire by the end of the year, along with significant changes in Boeing's management team.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chaired the subcommittee, called the hearing a "reckoning moment" for Boeing and told the hearing there was overwhelming evidence that the U.S. Department of Justice should sue Boeing.
Blumenthal said, "As a former federal prosecutor and state attorney general, I believe the evidence is almost enough to warrant such a lawsuit."
Prosecutors have until July 7 to report their plans to a federal judge in Texas. In May, the Department of Justice found that Boeing failed to "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program," as part of a deferred prosecution agreement following the fatal accidents.
