WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, will convene a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to examine recent near-miss and runway incursion incidents and efforts to strengthen safety across the National Airspace System.
The hearing will examine the implementation of safety technologies, runway safety programs, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization efforts. Witnesses are expected to discuss opportunities for improved safety coordination between aviation stakeholders and the federal government.
Upon announcing the hearing, Senator Moran said: “Over a three-year period, 15,000 close calls occurred in the airspace near Reagan Washington National Airport, demonstrating how fragile our aviation system is. Unfortunately, near collisions are occurring frequently in congested airspace around the country. Congress has made significant investments in aviation safety, and we must continue to implement changes and build on those investments. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about how government and industry can work together to reduce close calls and strengthen the safety of our airspace.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said: “Each day, approximately three million people fly in U.S. airspace. To maintain the world’s safest skies, we must take commonsense steps to reduce preventable near-misses and runway incursions. Aviation safety requires both a competent and vigilant FAA, as well as reforms that help pilots avoid collisions.”
Witnesses:
- Governor Chris Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America
- Mr. Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, American Association of Airport Executives
- Mr. James Viola, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association
- Mr. Jason Ambrosi, President, Air Line Pilots Association
Hearing Details:
WHAT: Subcommittee hearing titled, “Close Calls: Improving Safety Across the National Airspace System”
DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m. ET
LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253
LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the committee website and YouTube.
MEDIA: Reporters interested in attending should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.
- Senate Daily Press: 202-224-0241 or senate_press_gallery@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Periodical Press: 202-224-0265 or periodicals@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Photographers: 202-224-6548 or press_photo@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Radio/TV: 202-224-6421
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