Ted Cruz Pushes Aviation Reform After DCA Air Crash Tragedy
On July 29, 2025, Sen. Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced plans to introduce aviation safety legislation, just before a hearing examining the tragic mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport (DCA) earlier this year.
On January 29, 2025, a Bombardier CRJ‑700 collided with a US Army UH‑60L Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in the deadliest US passenger airline crash in more than 20 years. All 64 airline passengers and three helicopter crew members died.
Key provisions of the proposed legislation include
- Requiring all US Army helicopters operating near civilian airspace to carry ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) transponders.
- Launching a nationwide review of Army helicopter routes, particularly those near major airports like DCA.
- Directing the Army Inspector General to investigate systemic failures behind the incident.
Starting July 30, the Senate will hold a hearing to review the NTSB investigation, FAA oversight, Army protocols, and airspace procedures.
Alongside Cruz’s legislation focusing on a specific failure point, the Big Beautiful Bill has earlier proposed the FAA modernization funds to improve overall safety by replacing outdated equipment with modern systems. Together, these measures address the regulatory changes essential for resolving long-standing safety risks.
Cover photo by Brandon McDonald on Unsplash
