WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) — A bipartisan group of senators criticized a provision in this year’s defense bill that they say would preserve a loophole allowing military helicopters to operate under different, outdated transmission rules in Washington, D.C., airspace. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz and ranking member Maria Cantwell, joined by aviation subcommittee leaders, warned the measure could undermine civilian flight safety. The lawmakers proposed legislation after a Jan. 29 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk that killed 67 people. They urged prompt changes to unify and modernize safety and communications standards.
Senators Say Defense Bill Clause Could Weaken Helicopter Safety, Call For Fix After Deadly Crash
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 7, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) — A bipartisan group of influential senators on Wednesday sharply criticized language in this year’s annual defense bill that they say would preserve a loophole in rules governing military helicopters operating near the U.S. capital.
In a joint statement, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas), panel ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and senior members of an aviation subcommittee warned the provision "protects the status quo, allowing military aircraft to keep flying in DC airspace under different rules and with outdated transmission requirements... We must act decisively to prevent future tragedies."
Why Senators Are Alarmed
The senators say the measure would allow military helicopters to operate under separate, less stringent communication and safety protocols than civilian aircraft in the Washington, D.C., airspace. They argue this inconsistency creates risks for civilians and flight crews and undermines broader efforts to modernize air-traffic safety standards.
“Allowing different rules and outdated transmission requirements in DC airspace is unacceptable,” the lawmakers said, urging swift legislative action to close the gap.
Background
The criticism follows a Jan. 29 midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. The disaster prompted renewed scrutiny of military flight operations near civilian routes and spurred the senators to propose legislation to update safety and communications standards.
The senators are pressing colleagues to amend the defense bill to ensure uniform, modernized transmission and safety requirements apply to all aircraft operating in sensitive airspace around the capital.
Reporting: David Shepardson in Washington. Editing: Chris Reese.
