Sen. Cruz Threatens Government Shutdown Over Military Flight Bill

UPDATE: Republican Senator Ted Cruz is poised to hold up federal government funding after January 2023 unless his proposed reforms on military flight safety are enacted. Cruz’s statement follows a tragic incident involving a military helicopter collision in Washington D.C. that killed 67 people on January 29, 2023.

During a press conference on Monday, Cruz, alongside Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, addressed the urgent need for Congress to amend a massive defense bill. The proposed amendments aim to eliminate provisions that would allow military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their precise locations, a critical safety measure established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Cruz emphasized the dangers highlighted by the January crash, which occurred as military helicopters flew in airspace around the nation’s capital without using the crucial ADS-B system to communicate their whereabouts. Cruz stated, “The special carve-out was exactly what caused the January 29th crash that claimed 67 lives.”

The defense bill, which has sparked controversy, was finalized last week without Cruz and Cantwell’s knowledge of the safety loophole. Critics, including National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy and various senators, have condemned the bill’s helicopter safety provisions, arguing they pose a significant risk to aviation safety.

Families of the crash victims joined Cruz and Cantwell in expressing their outrage over the potential rollback of safety measures. In a powerful statement, they declared, “Our families know the consequences of systemic failures, and we cannot accept a policy change that makes our skies less safe.”

The legislation, if left unamended, could delay crucial raises for military personnel and other vital defense provisions. Cruz warned that he would not support government funding until his proposed safety reforms are included in the defense bill.

The NTSB’s final report on the January crash is expected to be released next year, but preliminary investigations have already raised concerns about numerous near-misses at Ronald Reagan National Airport prior to the incident.

With bipartisan support from the White House, the FAA, and the victims’ families, Cruz and Cantwell’s proposed bill to require all aircraft to broadcast their locations is gaining momentum.

As the clock ticks down to the funding deadline, all eyes will be on Congress to see if they act swiftly to ensure aviation safety and prevent another tragedy. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue as it develops.