A key senator accuses Boeing leaders of putting profits over safety. Her committee plans hearings

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is poised to join the scrutiny of Boeing, with a key senator blasting the company's leadership on Wednesday and saying she plans to hold hearings on safety lapses at the aircraft maker.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., met with Boeing CEO David Calhoun to discuss incidents, including one this month in which a panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner as it flew 3miles (5 kilometers) above Oregon.

Cantwell said she told Calhoun that quality engineering and safety must be the company's top priorities.

“The American flying public and Boeing line workers deserve a culture of leadership at Boeing that puts safety ahead of profits,” said Cantwell, who represents the state where Boeing assembles 737s.