Senators Push Urgent Changes to Military Operations Bill After Deadly Crash

UPDATE: Senators from both parties are urgently seeking changes to a crucial defense bill that could threaten aviation safety. This call for action follows warnings from crash investigators and victims’ families about the implications of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) after the tragic collision in January that claimed 67 lives in Washington, D.C.

The NTSB Chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, has labeled the current provisions in the NDAA a “significant safety setback,” which would allow the military to operate under outdated safety measures. These provisions would permit military helicopters to navigate through crowded airspace without adhering to the FAA‘s new requirement for a location broadcasting system known as ADS-B, which was mandated in March after the deadly incident.

Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz have swiftly introduced amendments in a bid to replace these concerning provisions with stronger safety requirements they proposed last summer. Their amendments aim to ensure that the military does not exploit loopholes that could lead to future tragedies. “We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements,” they stated, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective aviation safety measures.

The proposed bill is set to face scrutiny as Congress approaches its holiday break, with the Senate slated to address the NDAA early next week. However, the timeline raises concerns over whether any amendments will be considered before the end of the legislative session.

Homendy warned that allowing the military to bypass safety protocols represents an “unacceptable risk” not only to the flying public but also to military and commercial aircraft crews and residents in the area. She expressed deep frustration, stating, “It’s also an unthinkable dismissal of our investigation and of 67 families… who lost loved ones in a tragedy that was entirely preventable. This is shameful.”

Families of the crash victims, including Tim and Sheri Lilley, have voiced their fears regarding the bill, labeling it as merely a “window dressing fix” that does not genuinely address safety concerns. They criticized the military’s ability to conduct risk assessments, noting that neither the Army nor the FAA had identified numerous close calls at Ronald Reagan National Airport prior to the crash.

The White House has not yet responded to these urgent safety concerns, but earlier this week, President Trump indicated his desire to sign the NDAA, as it aligns with several of his priorities, including a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.

As this situation develops, all eyes are on the Senate, where the fate of the defense bill and potentially lifesaving amendments hang in the balance. The need for immediate action has never been more critical, with the safety of countless individuals at stake.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.