Senators Urgently Seek Changes to Defense Bill After Fatal Crash
UPDATE: Senators from both parties are urgently pushing for significant changes to a major defense bill following recent warnings from crash investigators and victims’ families. This legislation, if passed as is, would reverse critical safety reforms established after the January 2023 collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., which tragically resulted in 67 fatalities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and family members of the victims have expressed grave concerns that the bill would allow military helicopters to operate in the same dangerous manner as before the tragedy. Currently, the bill advanced by the House would permit military aircraft to bypass ADS-B, a vital system required since March 2023 that broadcasts their locations in crowded airspace.
Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Senator Ted Cruz have introduced amendments to replace these concerning provisions with more robust safety requirements. They argue that the legislation as it stands would create “bigger loopholes” for the Department of Defense to exploit, thus diminishing air safety.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has condemned the bill as a “significant safety setback,” warning it poses an “unacceptable risk” to both the flying public and local residents. “It’s also an unthinkable dismissal of our investigation and of 67 families who lost loved ones in a tragedy that was entirely preventable,” she stated.
Victims’ families, including Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son was the first officer on the ill-fated American Airlines flight, criticized the bill’s superficial changes. They emphasized that the proposed amendments do not adequately address the underlying safety issues, suggesting that the military lacks the expertise to conduct meaningful risk assessments.
The White House and military officials have yet to respond to these alarming safety concerns. However, President Donald Trump has previously indicated his desire to sign the National Defense Authorization Act, citing it as a vehicle for key priorities and a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.
The Senate is set to take up the bill next week, and with Congress heading into a holiday recess, time is of the essence. Amendments may face significant hurdles, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not confirmed whether changes will be allowed.
As this situation develops, the call for enhanced air safety measures continues to grow louder, with families and lawmakers alike demanding accountability and action to prevent future tragedies.
