Congressman Rick Larsen Responds to Reports on the WTO Interim Ruling on Airbus Subsidies
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amanda Mahnke
(202) 225-2605
September 4th, 2009
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement today in response to recent news stories regarding the interim ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on aircraft subsidies to Airbus by the European Union.
"According to recent media reports the WTO has ruled that the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is that Launch Aid subsidies provided to Airbus by the European Union are in violation of WTO rules. This ruling confirms what U.S. officials have been saying for years – Airbus is hooked on illegal fiscal steroids.
"Today’s ruling sends a strong message to our workers: We will not sit on our hands while Europe pumps up Airbus. We will fight to give you the level playing field that you deserve.
"As the Department of Defense moves forward on purchasing the next generation of aerial refueling tankers, I will fight to make sure that U.S. taxpayers don’t foot the bill for illegal European subsidies.
"Five years ago the U.S. Trade Representative said, 'No more subsidies,'" and today it appears the WTO agrees. I commend the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for aggressively pursuing this case.
"Boeing workers are the best aerospace workers in the world. I will continue my efforts in Congress to support the good-paying jobs which Boeing provides to my constituents."
Larsen represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District which includes the Everett Boeing plant.
