The bipartisan leaders of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released a joint statement in response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) recommendations following the January 29, 2025, midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident resulted in 67 fatalities.
The statement was issued by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA).
“Now that we have received the approved recommendations and probable cause from the NTSB on the tragic DCA midair collision that claimed 67 lives, and with the NTSB’s final report expected in a matter of days, we are working on a comprehensive legislative solution to address what we’ve learned.
“It is our firm belief that meaningful improvements to the safety of our airspace require the full and fair consideration of all of the NTSB’s recommendations. We are continuing to evaluate the information and analysis gathered and put forward by the NTSB, and we will work together expeditiously on legislation to ensure a crash like this can never happen again.”
The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for overseeing national defense programs and agencies, including those related to the U.S. Armed Forces under federal law. More details about its members—such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman—and its role in shaping legislation through measures like the National Defense Authorization Act can be found on its official website. The committee operates under jurisdiction defined by congressional rules for national defense matters.
Mike Rogers has served as chair of this committee during both the 118th and 119th Congresses. The committee also plays an oversight role regarding military affairs.
