UPDATE: Senators from both parties are urgently pushing for critical changes to a massive defense bill that could compromise air safety just months after a devastating crash in Washington, D.C. This comes in light of warnings from crash investigators and families of victims, who emphasize that the legislation could reverse important safety reforms established following the January 2023 collision that resulted in 67 fatalities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised alarms, stating that the bill—advanced by the House on Wednesday—would allow military helicopters to operate without adhering to essential safety protocols. Currently, the legislation permits military aircraft to fly through congested airspace around the nation’s capital without utilizing the ADS-B system, which broadcasts their locations. This requirement was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) starting March 2023, after the tragic incident.
Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Committee Chairman Senator Ted Cruz have introduced two amendments aimed at eliminating these concerning provisions. They propose substituting them with stricter safety regulations previously introduced last summer, but it remains uncertain whether Republican leadership will permit these changes, which could delay the bill’s passage.
“We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements, not give the Department of Defense bigger loopholes to exploit,” the senators asserted in a joint statement. Their call for action is particularly poignant given that the military previously utilized national security waivers to bypass FAA safety requirements, citing concerns about the security implications of disclosing their helicopters’ locations.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy condemned the proposed legislation, labeling it a “significant safety setback” and a potential invitation for future disasters. “It represents an unacceptable risk to the flying public, to commercial and military aircraft, crews, and to residents in the region,” Homendy said. She emphasized that this could lead to another tragedy similar to the January crash, which was deemed entirely preventable.
Victims’ families are also voicing their concerns. Tim and Sheri Lilley, who lost their son Sam, a first officer on the American Airlines jet involved in the crash, criticized the bill as a superficial fix that would allow continued disregard for safety requirements. They expressed frustration that decision-makers are not consulting safety experts at the NTSB, who could provide critical insights into risk assessments.
The White House and military officials have not yet commented on these pressing safety concerns. However, President Trump has previously indicated his desire to sign the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a 3.8% pay raise for many military personnel, as it aligns with several of his priorities.
The Senate is anticipated to address the bill next week, but given the impending holiday recess, there is pressure to finalize the legislation before the year’s end. Despite the urgency, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not responded to inquiries regarding the possibility of amendments being considered.
As developments unfold, the safety of air travel in and around Washington, D.C. hangs in the balance. Stakeholders and the public will be watching closely to see if lawmakers will take the necessary steps to enhance safety and protect the lives of citizens and military personnel alike.
