Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today in response to recent news stories regarding the final ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on aircraft subsidies to Airbus by the European Union.

“According to today’s media reports, the WTO has finally said ‘it’s over’ to European governments that subsidize Airbus.

“European countries can appeal this case for years, but they can not change the facts.  Launch Aid is illegal and it hurts American workers.  As Airbus moves forward, they need to reverse course, comply with the WTO, and not utilize these subsidies to develop the A350.

“Today’s ruling sends a strong message to our workers that we will not sit on the sidelines while Europe pumps up Airbus with illegal fiscal steroids. Aerospace workers in the Northwest are the best in the world, and I will continue to do all I can to support the good-paying jobs which Boeing provides to my constituents.

“As the Department of Defense moves forward with buying the next generation of aerial refueling tankers, they need to resolve this conflict between our trade and defense procurement policies so we can make sure the American taxpayers don’t foot the bill for illegal European subsidies.

“I thank the office of the United States Trade Representative for their hard work.  The USTR’s efforts to enforce our trade laws protects American jobs from unfair competition.

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