URGENT UPDATE: Senate leaders from both parties are seeking immediate amendments to a critical defense bill following alarming warnings from crash investigators and victims’ families. The proposed legislation could roll back essential safety reforms implemented after the tragic January collision in Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of 67 people.
On Thursday, Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Senator Ted Cruz filed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act, which the House advanced earlier this week. This bill would allow military helicopters to operate in busy airspace without using a crucial safety system called ADS-B, which was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration in March. The senators argue this would dangerously replicate the conditions leading to the deadliest aviation incident in over two decades.
Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the NTSB, condemned the bill, stating, “It represents an unacceptable risk to the flying public and to residents in the region.” She emphasized that failing to implement safety improvements is a “shameful” disregard for the 67 families affected by this preventable tragedy.
Victims’ families, including Tim and Sheri Lilley—whose son was the first officer on the ill-fated flight—expressed outrage over the bill’s implications. They labeled the proposed amendments as mere “window dressing,” which would allow military operations to bypass safety standards with just a cursory risk assessment.
Despite the urgency of these concerns, it remains uncertain whether Republican leadership will permit changes to the bill, as doing so could delay its passage. Congress is expected to break for the holidays at the end of the week, raising pressure to finalize the defense bill.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these safety issues. However, President Trump has indicated a desire to sign the legislation due to its alignment with his administration’s priorities, including a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on the bill next week, stakeholders are calling for immediate attention to safety protocols to prevent another catastrophe. The outcome of this legislation will significantly impact aviation safety standards and military operations within the nation’s capital.
The situation is rapidly developing, and all eyes are on the Senate as they weigh the implications of this critical bill. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.