Senators Push Urgent Changes to Defense Bill After Deadly Crash

UPDATE: U.S. Senators are urgently calling for amendments to a critical defense bill following alarming warnings from crash investigators and victims’ families. The proposed legislation, advanced by the House, could reverse vital safety reforms related to the deadly January 2023 collision of an airliner and Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., which claimed 67 lives.

Authorities are sounding the alarm about the potential risks to public safety. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has described the current bill as a “significant safety setback” that could allow military helicopters to operate in crowded airspace without essential tracking systems, which were mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March.

Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz, representing both parties, introduced two amendments on Thursday. They seek to remove troubling provisions that would permit military aircraft to bypass safety protocols that are now in place to prevent tragedies like the one in January. “We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements,” they stated, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations over loopholes.

Currently, the defense bill includes exceptions allowing military helicopters to fly without using the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast system (ADS-B), a crucial safety feature designed to enhance situational awareness in busy airspace. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has urged that continuing to allow these exceptions poses an “unacceptable risk” to both military and civilian aircraft, as well as to residents in the region.

Homendy’s emotional plea highlighted the human cost of potential negligence, 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.”

Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son served as the first officer on the American Airlines jet involved in the January crash, condemned the bill as a mere “window dressing fix” that inadequately addresses safety concerns. They argue it allows the military to sidestep requirements with minimal risk assessment, calling for accountability from those crafting the legislation.

As Congress heads into a holiday break, the Senate is set to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act next week, which contains a 3.8% pay raise for many military personnel. However, the urgency of the safety concerns raises questions about whether meaningful changes can be made in time.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not yet clarified whether he will permit amendments to the bill, leaving families and safety advocates anxious about the outcome. With the bill’s passage deemed essential by year-end, the pressure mounts for lawmakers to prioritize safety in the skies over military expediency.

As the situation develops, stakeholders are urged to monitor the discussions closely. The implications of this legislation could have far-reaching effects on aviation safety for years to come, making it a pressing issue for both lawmakers and the public.