With the swift stroke of a pen, Congress yesterday delivered $3.6 billion to Boeing to manufacture fifteen new C-17 Globemasters in a move that will extend production on the plane until at least August of 2010. The multi-function aircraft is primarily used for transporting troops and cargo, and has been in operational use for the past thirteen years. Boeing was expected to close production on the C-17 by August of 2009 until the new plan was approved.
The funding is part of a $162 billion war spending plan that passed in the Senate with a 92-6 count, providing funding for operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. If—I mean, when—President Bush signs the decision into law, it will bring the total money spent to $650 billion in Iraq and nearly $200 billion in Afghanistan.
Here at home, the news is good for Boeing’s 1,000 production employees. And the city.
“The Boeing C-17 production line is critical to the Long Beach economy,” said City Manager Patrick West in a released statement. “With 5,500 employees, Boeing is the city’s largest private employer and we are thrilled that this funding would keep those men and women producing quality planes in Long Beach.”
The Press-Telegram reports today that Boeing employees were happy with the decision—although not as happy as I’d be if I were given $3.6 billion—and that the C-17 will be used for more than military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, such as providing aid in disaster zones like Myanmar and China.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor