WASHINGTON (AP) — Following a tragic midair collision in January that claimed 67 lives, Republican Senator Ted Cruz is advocating for stringent air safety measures. Alongside Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, they held a press conference to voice opposition against provisions in the ongoing defense bill that would permit military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their location.
Cruz expressed his concerns over the potential rollback of safety measures, underscoring the dangers originating from military helicopters flying in and around the D.C. airspace without utilizing key location broadcasting systems. This has rekindled fears and discussions about air safety in the region, especially in light of the recent disaster.
I'm seeking a vote on the ROTOR Act as part of any appropriations measure before the current continuing resolution expires at the end of next month, Cruz stated. The ROTOR Act is designed to ensure that all aircraft, including military, are obligated to broadcast their locations to avoid future tragedies.
This provision has drawn sharp criticism from various stakeholders, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair, senators, airlines, and transportation unions, all of whom warn that such relaxed safety measures could lead to another catastrophic incident.
In opposition to the defense bill, Cruz noted, The special carve-out was exactly what caused the January 29th crash that claimed 67 lives. With the NTSB's final report on the crash pending, the investigation has highlighted prior near misses in the heavily trafficked airspace over Washington.
The proposal to strengthen aircraft safety measures has garnered support from families of the victims, who have raised concerns over aviation safety being compromised due to the newly introduced provisions that allow military operations without the necessary safety checks. Cruz’s call for action to reinstate these restrictions is met with hopes that the ROTOR Act could be incorporated into a funding package when Congress reconvenes.
As the defense bill nears approval, many are urging for legislative amendments to reinforce the measures aimed at protecting the safety of airspace surrounding the nation’s capital.
Cruz expressed his concerns over the potential rollback of safety measures, underscoring the dangers originating from military helicopters flying in and around the D.C. airspace without utilizing key location broadcasting systems. This has rekindled fears and discussions about air safety in the region, especially in light of the recent disaster.
I'm seeking a vote on the ROTOR Act as part of any appropriations measure before the current continuing resolution expires at the end of next month, Cruz stated. The ROTOR Act is designed to ensure that all aircraft, including military, are obligated to broadcast their locations to avoid future tragedies.
This provision has drawn sharp criticism from various stakeholders, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair, senators, airlines, and transportation unions, all of whom warn that such relaxed safety measures could lead to another catastrophic incident.
In opposition to the defense bill, Cruz noted, The special carve-out was exactly what caused the January 29th crash that claimed 67 lives. With the NTSB's final report on the crash pending, the investigation has highlighted prior near misses in the heavily trafficked airspace over Washington.
The proposal to strengthen aircraft safety measures has garnered support from families of the victims, who have raised concerns over aviation safety being compromised due to the newly introduced provisions that allow military operations without the necessary safety checks. Cruz’s call for action to reinstate these restrictions is met with hopes that the ROTOR Act could be incorporated into a funding package when Congress reconvenes.
As the defense bill nears approval, many are urging for legislative amendments to reinforce the measures aimed at protecting the safety of airspace surrounding the nation’s capital.
