The State Column
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U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today joined Representatives Robert Brady (PA-01), John Carney (DE), and Jon Runyan (NJ-03) for a tour and meeting with employees at the Boeing facility in Ridley Park, PA. During a recent debate in Congress, two amendments were offered which would have cut funding for the V-22 Osprey program. All four Representatives joined together in support of the V-22, part of which is made at the Boeing facility.
The V-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff and landing characteristics of a helicopter with the speed and range advantages of a turbo prop airplane. It is used in the field by both the Marine Corps and Air Force Special Ops. The V-22 Osprey enables raids at unprecedented speeds and with greater range, provides MEDEVAC capabilities to wounded soldiers, offers cargo transportation capabilities over greater distances than any conventional helicopter – all which would be impossible to accomplish with the current helicopter platforms.
“The incredible performance of the V-22, and its proven success record in military combat make it not just a worthwhile use of federal dollars – but a necessary one,” said Representative Meehan (R-PA). “I am grateful for this opportunity today to get an up close look at the work of the skilled employees of the Boeing facility. This facility not only helps provide critical equipment – like the V-22 and the Chinook aircrafts – for our men and women in uniform, but it also creates thousands of jobs in the region.”
“I’ve worked with my friends in labor, management and the representatives of the 7th Congressional for the last 13 years to make sure that the outstanding platforms Boeing makes are available for our troops,” said Congressman Brady (D-PA). “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan delegation in touring the plant today. This group of Members brings a fresh infusion of energy and ideas to the table. We all know that the workers at Boeing-Ridley build the best rotarcraft in the world. Together, we’ll make sure that our war fighters continue to be able to use these cutting edge craft to defend freedom.”
“The V-22 aircraft is a crucial program in our nation’s military arsenal,” said Representative Jon Runyan (R-NJ). “In addition, the Boeing facility plays an important economic role in the surrounding communities of the Delaware Valley. I am proud of the dedicated employees who serve there and contribute their skills to these critical national security projects. The plant’s success remains intertwined with the future of our region and our nation.”
“Boeing provides critical science, technology, and engineering-based jobs,” said Congressman Carney (D-DE). “More than 750 Delawareans work at the facility, and, just this past year, Boeing did more than $56 million in business with Delaware-based suppliers. Boeing’s V-22 and Chinook aircrafts have proven critical to our nation’s defense, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to serve the military and our brave men and women in uniform.”
