Senators Push Urgent Changes to Defense Bill After Fatal Crash

UPDATE: Senators from both parties are urgently seeking changes to a critical defense bill that would allow military operations to continue as they did before a deadly crash in January. This crash, involving an airliner and an Army helicopter, resulted in 67 fatalities and raised alarms about aviation safety standards.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and victims’ families have voiced strong opposition to the legislation, warning it could reverse essential safety reforms. Just this Thursday, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Senator Ted Cruz proposed amendments to eliminate dangerous provisions in the bill that would allow military helicopters to bypass critical safety protocols around Washington, D.C.

Currently, the bill permits military aircraft to operate without utilizing the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system, which is essential for tracking their locations. This exception mirrors practices before the January collision, raising significant safety concerns. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy called the legislation a “significant safety setback,” stressing that it jeopardizes the lives of both the flying public and military personnel.

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It represents an unacceptable risk to the flying public… This is shameful,”

Homendy stated, highlighting the potential for another tragedy similar to the January incident. The NTSB’s ongoing investigation has revealed nearly 85 close calls at Ronald Reagan National Airport in the years leading up to the crash, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter safety measures.

Families affected by the crash, like Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son was the first officer on the ill-fated flight, criticize the proposed bill as merely a “window dressing fix.” They argue it continues to allow the military to skirt essential safety requirements without proper risk assessment.

As Congress prepares to leave for a holiday break this week, the Senate is expected to review the National Defense Authorization Act. However, the prospects for amendments appear bleak, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune yet to respond to inquiries about allowing changes to the bill.

The White House has not immediately addressed these pressing safety concerns, although President Trump has expressed a desire to sign the defense bill, citing numerous priorities, including a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.

With the Senate set to convene next week, observers worry that significant amendments may not be feasible, raising the stakes for public safety in U.S. airspace. The call for urgent reform resonates deeply with families who lost loved ones, emphasizing the need for accountability and enhanced aviation safety standards.

As developments unfold, the focus remains on whether Congress will prioritize the safety of American skies or push through legislation that could lead to further tragedies.