Press Release - Congresswoman Laura Richardson

CONGRESSWOMAN LAURA RICHARDSON AND THE 111TH CONGRESS TAKE THE SECOND IMPORTANT STEP IN SECURING C-17 FUNDING IN THE HOUSE SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING BILL

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA) commended the House of Representatives today after taking bold action in including $2.2 billion in funding for eight Boeing C-17 aircrafts in the House Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill.

"After four face-to-face meetings with Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha, authoring and submitting a signed bi-partisan letter from over 60 Members and gaining support of over 368 colleagues today, I am pleased to announce that 11,000 workers in California still have a chance to maintain full employment into 2011," Congresswoman Richardson said.

"Today, the 111th Congress demonstrated why our forefathers established three equal branches of government and allowed for the legislative body the ability to prioritize funding and adequate resources for those who protect and serve," Congresswoman Richardson noted.

"Now I begin the third step by supporting Senators Feinstein and Boxer as they attempt to complete the companion Senate Appropriations Bill," Richardson added.

"Finally, I have worked tirelessly and will continue to do so with House Leadership and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the C-17 line is kept open, that the hardworking employees at the Boeing plant in Long Beach can keep their jobs and continue their outstanding efforts to stabilize our delicate economy," Congresswoman Richardson noted.

The C-17 production in California is responsible for 11,000 jobs and has an approximately $4 billion dollar economic impact on the state. Nationwide, the production of the C-17 is responsible for over 30,000 jobs and has a national economic impact of $8.3 billion dollars.

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