Senators Push Urgent Changes to Defense Bill After Deadly Crash

URGENT UPDATE: Senators are racing against time to amend the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) following warnings from crash investigators and victims’ families about potential safety setbacks. The proposed legislation could allow military helicopters to operate in the crowded airspace around Washington, D.C., without crucial safety measures, just like before the tragic January collision that claimed 67 lives.

On Thursday, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Senator Ted Cruz filed two amendments aimed at enhancing helicopter safety protocols. They argue that the current bill, which was advanced by the House, poses an “unacceptable risk” to the flying public and could lead to another disaster. The senators are urgently calling for the inclusion of stronger safety measures in light of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy‘s stark warning that the bill represents a significant safety setback.

The fallout from the January collision has been felt deeply, with families like that of Sam Lilley, a first officer on the ill-fated American Airlines jet, expressing their outrage. Lilley’s parents stated that the bill merely offers “window dressing fixes” without addressing the root safety concerns.

Currently, the NDAA includes exceptions that would let military helicopters bypass the required Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system, which is essential for tracking aircraft locations. This requirement was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the deadly crash. Homendy emphasized that neglecting such requirements poses a dire risk to both military and civilian aircraft, saying, “It’s also an unthinkable dismissal of our investigation and of 67 families who lost loved ones in a tragedy that was entirely preventable.”

The senators’ proposed amendments aim to strip these loopholes and replace them with stringent safety measures, yet it remains unclear if Republican leadership will permit changes to the NDAA at this late stage in the legislative process. The Senate is set to debate the bill next week, with looming deadlines as Congress prepares for a holiday break.

With strong public sentiment against the proposed changes, many are watching closely. The military’s use of national security waivers prior to the crash allowed them to evade FAA regulations, raising deep concerns about safety oversight. Families affected by the January incident are calling for accountability and proper risk assessments from the military.

As this situation develops, it is crucial for legislators to prioritize the safety of both military personnel and civilians alike. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for air safety in the region.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and Congress approaches a critical decision that impacts the safety of America’s skies.