WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the tragic accident between Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk in the DCA airspace.

Sen. Cruz said:

“Chairwoman Homendy is 100 percent correct that it shouldn’t have taken a tragedy for there to be a ban on helicopter traffic near Ronald Reagan National Airport. I have no doubt Secretary Duffy has carefully reviewed the NTSB recommendation to permanently close nearby helicopter routes and do what’s necessary to keep the flying public safe.

“The NTSB preliminary report also underscores the need for the Army to uphold a commitment it made to give Commerce Committee lawmakers answers about Army helicopter flights in the DCA airspace. The Army should turn over this information prior to our March 27th hearing at which they have been asked to testify." 

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