WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), called for all Boeing planes of the 737 Max 8 series to be grounded until the cause of two recent crashes is identified and the aircrafts’ safety may be firmly ensured.  Reed issued the following statement and noted he will be discussing the issue directly with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao:

“Safety should always come first.  In an abundance of caution for the safety of the aviation system and the traveling public, I believe these aircraft should be grounded until we can firmly identify the cause of the accident and take whatever additional safety precautions are necessary once investigations are concluded.

“I will be discussing this issue directly with Secretary Chao.”