A group of Democratic U.S. Senators are urging the administration of President Donald Trump to prosecute Boeing. 

They did so in a letter that they recently sent to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Fox News reports.

The effort is being led by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

This is in relation to a criminal fraud investigation regarding deadly crashes that have taken place in recent years.

Background

The Senators particularly reference the 2018 Lion Air crash and the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash.

Their press release states:

[We are] calling on the Department of Justice to hold Boeing and any responsible executives accountable for their role in the 2018 Lion Air and the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crashes, which killed a total of 346 passengers . . .

It goes on to note how Boeing "admitted to criminally conspiring to defraud the federal government."

It states:

In both the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes, the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight control software installed on the aircraft, was found to have unexpectedly and forcefully pushed the aircraft’s nose down preceding the crashes. Boeing has admitted to criminally conspiring to defraud the federal government about MCAS in the course of the 737 MAX’s certification.

The senators allege that "recent reporting suggests the company is backtracking on its agreement [to plead guilty] in an attempt to receive more lenient treatment under the Trump administration."

The letter

The Senators, in their letter, wrote, "Any settlement agreement that does not hold Boeing and its executives accountable for their wrongdoing would be shameful." And if such a settlement is not reached, then the Senators want the Trump administration to proceed with prosecuting the company.

"DOJ must not sign a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing that would allow the company to weasel its way out of accountability for its failed corporate culture, and for any illegal behavior that has resulted in deadly consequences," they write.

Fox reports on the potential deal between Boeing and the Trump administration. The deal has yet to be finalized, but it would some details have been reported.

Per the outlet, "The deal, which is not yet finalized, would make Boeing pay $1.1 billion, including $445 million to a fund for the crash victims’ families, in exchange for federal prosecutors dropping a fraud charge, according to the DOJ."

Trump's DOJ has said, "Ultimately, in applying the facts, the law, and Department policy, we are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome with practical benefits."