Shares of defense company Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) traded higher on Tuesday after the company announced a new $20 billion contract from the U.S. government. That contract could help boost the share price and benefit the owners of BA stock, including several members of Congress.
Boeing Lands Pentagon Deal
Boeing was awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy for up to $20 billion to develop the next-generation fighter.
This marks the second major sixth-generation fighter win for Boeing and comes with the company beating out defense competitor Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC) for the contract. Boeing beat out Lockheed Martin for a $20 billion development contract for the Air Force’s F-47 last year.
The award covers multiple test aircraft and weapons-integration testing. Boeing securing the contract and tests going well could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in the future, as reported by Reuters.
“F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter,” Pentagon acquisition chief Michael Duffey said.
The next-generation aircraft is intended to replace the current F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18 G Growler in the 2030s.
Duffey called the future aircraft a "crucial, non-negotiable investment" for the U.S. Navy.
A decision on this contract faced multiple delays and saw Congress intervene. Lockheed Martin was eliminated from the competition previously with Boeing and Northrop the two finalists for the development deal.
Congress Members Buy Boeing Stock
Congressional trading in defense stocks has drawn sustained criticism from ethics groups and fueled bipartisan proposals to bar members from trading individual stocks. Purchases made during periods of heightened geopolitical conflict attract particular scrutiny.
Congressional disclosures show three members reported buying Boeing stock earlier in 2026, before the award was announced. That Boeing and Northrop were the program’s two finalists had been publicly reported.
Under the STOCK Act, members report trades in value ranges rather than exact amounts, and disclosures also cover trades made by a spouse or by an advisor with discretion over the account.
The members of Congress who have bought Boeing stock in 2026 are:
- March 27: Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), $1,000 to $15,000
- March 19: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), $16,000 to $65,000
- Feb. 2: Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.), $1,000 to $15,000
Several other members have sold Boeing stock this year, and several likely own Boeing stock purchased before the start of 2026.
Boeing Stock Rises
On Wednesday, Boeing stock was down 0.96% to $185.88. The stock is down 13.6% year-to-date and several members who have bought stock are likely down on their initial purchase this year.
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