Boeing CEO David Calhoun will address a Senate subcommittee Tuesday amid new whistleblower claims of safety risks, marking his first congressional appearance since a January incident involving a 737 Max.

Calhoun's testimony comes at a critical time for Boeing, as multiple whistleblowers have raised concerns about the company's manufacturing practices, including improper documentation and reduced quality inspections. The hearing, led by prominent Boeing critic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, will also be attended by relatives of victims from previous 737 Max crashes, highlighting ongoing scrutiny and potential legal consequences for the aerospace giant. As federal investigations continue and the Justice Department considers further actions, Calhoun's statements could significantly impact Boeing's efforts to restore trust and ensure safety.

The recent [allegations from whistleblowers](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) have intensified scrutiny over Boeing's manufacturing processes, particularly concerning [documentation irregularities](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-ceo-david-calhoun-senate-hearing-testimony-whistleblower/) and [lapses in quality control](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-ceo-david-calhoun-senate-hearing-testimony-whistleblower/). One whistleblower, a former quality control engineer, claimed that critical safety checks were bypassed to speed up production schedules, posing potential risks to future flights.

"We have a responsibility to ensure every aircraft meets the highest standards of safety," said [Sen. Blumenthal](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) in a statement ahead of the hearing. "The claims brought forth by these [whistleblowers are deeply troubling](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) and must be thoroughly investigated." Blumenthal has been a vocal critic of Boeing since the [two fatal 737 Max crashes](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) in 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people and led to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft model.

In response to the whistleblower claims, [Boeing has stated that it takes all safety concerns seriously](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-ceo-david-calhoun-senate-hearing-testimony-whistleblower/) and is committed to addressing any issues. "We are dedicated to maintaining the trust of our customers, regulators, and the flying public through rigorous adherence to safety protocols," Boeing said in a press release. The company also highlighted its ongoing efforts to [improve internal processes and oversight mechanisms](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663).

The hearing will not only focus on the recent allegations but will also revisit the underlying issues that precipitated the previous 737 Max tragedies. [Relatives of victims from those crashes have been invited to attend](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663), bringing emotional weight to the proceedings and reminding all parties involved of the human costs of safety failures in the aviation industry.

[The Justice Department is reportedly considering additional penalties](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) against Boeing, depending on the findings of current investigations. Legal experts suggest that the company's handling of the new allegations will be pivotal in determining any potential outcomes. "[Boeing is at a critical juncture;](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) they must demonstrate transparent and proactive measures to rectify these issues or face severe repercussions," noted aviation safety analyst, Dr. Margaret Thompson.

In his prepared remarks, Calhoun is expected to emphasize [Boeing's commitment to safety](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-ceo-david-calhoun-senate-hearing-testimony-whistleblower/) and its steps to prevent future incidents. Those steps include implementing advanced safety management systems, increasing transparency in reporting safety issues, and enhancing the training and support for quality control inspectors.

As Boeing navigates this turbulent period, the industry at large is watching closely. The outcomes of this hearing and subsequent actions could set precedents for how safety concerns are addressed in aerospace manufacturing. With public trust on the line, [Calhoun's testimony](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boeings-ceo-scheduled-field-questions-plane-safety-us-senators-rcna157663) and Boeing's responses will play a significant role in shaping the company's future.