Aerospace Leader Funnels Millions To Nation's Capitol

The biggest aerospace company in the world, Chicago-based Boeing, may be down on its luck. It may have sent pink slips to some 35,000 workers. It may have moved its headquarters from its traditional home in Seattle to less-expensive environs in the Midwest. It may be battling a lawsuit on corporate espionage filed by Lockheed-Martin. But Boeing spent more than twice any other Illinois company on lobbying efforts aimed at Capitol Hill last year. Its lobbyists alone reported $8.26 million in "expenses," according to federal reports on efforts to influence the White House, Capitol Hill and the Pentagon.

Issues reportedly covered by the company's lobbyists last year ranged from education reform in America's public schools to influencing decisions on the proposed sale or lease of 100 modified 767s to the Defense Department for use as aerial tankers. Airport noise and the shuttle program were also listed among the two dozen issues presented to lawmakers.

How does Boeing justify spending that kind of money? "There's a large number of trade and regulatory issues that are crucial to our company and industry," said spokesman Doug Kennett. Boeing employs 165,000 people in 27 states and 100 countries.

FMI: www.boeing.com