Claims by Airbus that it will produce military refueling tankers in the United States are a sham. So are claims by the European Union that it will seriously negotiate its subsidies for new Airbus models.
That’s the opinion of Sen. Patty Murray, D.-Wash., who told a group of business people at the Everett Country Club on Friday that the claims are all about competition.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that they want to eliminate the aerospace industry in our country,” Murray said.
She said the Bush administration appears “very serious” about eliminating European government subsidies to help Airbus develop new jets.
“It’s become very clear that (European countries) are not serious,” Murray said about the breakdown in trade talks between the U.S. and the EU. “I believe the U.S. will probably have to file an unfair trade case.”
Airbus and EADS, its parent company, have hired a search firm to look for a site in the U.S. to build its version of a military refueling tanker. Murray noted that the firm paid for some “slick PR ads trying to convince us that they will build planes here.”
“They have no intent of doing that,” she said, adding, “We have to stand up strong.”
Murray, who addressed a meeting sponsored by the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce, said she will insist that the U.S. not buy military aircraft made by a foreign manufacturer. “Everyone knows the U.S. needs these refueling tankers,” she said. “Everett workers will have to build those planes.”
Murray also promised to support Naval Station Everett in the current round of deliberations about which military bases will be closed to save money. She said the base is a “first-class facility” deeply prized by the Navy rank and file. And she said the local support is very strong and well organized.
In addition to supporting aerospace and the Navy, Murray said she also plans to continue to find funds to make road improvements in the state.
“I-5 is still a miserable bottleneck,” she said. “That’s a kind word. We’ve got to work closely to continue to make improvements on that road.”
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