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, May 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., regarding new procedures at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in light of recent recommendations to the FAA from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Following the January 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter, which killed 67 individuals, the NTSB issued 50 safety recommendations, two-thirds of which were directed at the FAA.
This hearing will provide the subcommittee an opportunity to assess the FAA’s response to the NTSB recommendations, review current standards, and examine steps the agency has taken to prevent future midair collisions since the deadly crash over the Potomac River.
Upon announcing the hearing, Senator Moran said: “After the tragic aviation accident at Reagan Washington National Airport last January, the NTSB issued more than 30 recommendations directed at the FAA to strengthen aviation safety and prevent future disasters. Our aviation system is fragile, as demonstrated by the several close calls, and we cannot afford any delays in implementation of these safety standards. I look forward to receiving a full and detailed update from Administrator Bedford on the measures taken by the FAA to carry out the NTSB’s safety recommendations to make certain our skies are safe for all who fly.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said: “The NTSB’s investigation showed numerous warning signs at DCA were there, but missed by the FAA. In just the three years before the mid-air collision, there were over 15,000 near misses. Aviation safety requires not just a competent and vigilant FAA, but reforms that help pilots, too. The ROTOR Act, which has overwhelmingly bipartisan support, ensures pilots can see and be seen by all aircraft in both daylight and darkness. It is the commonsense aviation reform the system desperately needs.”
Witness:
- Hon. Bryan Bedford, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
Hearing Details:
WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing titled, “Preventing Future Collisions: Evaluation of FAA Safety Measures from the DCA Crash.”
DATE: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
TIME: 2:00 p.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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