Republican Senator Ted Cruz has issued a stark ultimatum to his congressional colleagues, threatening to hold up federal funding and risk a government shutdown at the end of January. His demand is for the passage of stricter safety rules governing military flights, a move prompted by a catastrophic mid-air collision earlier this year.
A Deadly Crash Sparks Political Standoff
The senator's threat stems directly from the tragic collision on 29 January between an airliner and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., a disaster that claimed 67 lives. On Monday 15 December, Cruz stood alongside Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and families of the victims to demand action. They are urging Congress to remove contentious provisions from a sprawling annual defence bill.
These provisions would grant military aircraft a waiver to resume operations without continuously broadcasting their precise location using a key system known as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast). Before the fatal crash, military helicopters routinely flew in the congested capital airspace without this technology. In March, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated its use for all aircraft to enhance safety.
Last-Minute Provision Draws Widespread Fury
Cruz condemned the waiver language, arguing it was "airdropped in at the last moment" during final negotiations by congressional leaders. He stated it would effectively unwind safety measures implemented by former President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. "The special carve-out was exactly what caused the January 29th crash that claimed 67 lives," Cruz asserted.
The senators revealed they only became aware of the clause after the defence bill was finalised last week, prompting immediate and strenuous objections. Their concerns are echoed by a powerful coalition, including National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, major airlines, and key transportation unions, who all sharply criticised the provisions.
Families Warn Against Rolling Back Safety
The families of those lost in the crash released a powerful statement, warning that the proposed legislation would dangerously weaken vital safeguards. "Our families know the consequences of systemic failures, and we cannot accept a policy change that makes our skies less safe," they said.
While the NTSB's final report on the crash's cause is not due until next year, investigators have already highlighted alarming safety lapses. These include 85 near misses around Ronald Reagan National Airport in the years preceding the disaster and a helicopter flight path that brought Black Hawks perilously close to commercial planes using a secondary runway.
Shutdown Looms as Cruz Digs In
Cruz has made his position unequivocal: if the defence bill passes with the waiver intact, he will block legislation to fund the government beyond January. He insists Congress must first pass a bill he introduced last summer, which would require all aircraft to broadcast their location. This alternative bill enjoys broad support from the White House, the FAA, the NTSB, and the victims' families.
The political manoeuvring creates a significant dilemma for Republican leadership. Amending the defence bill to strip out the waiver would send it back to the House of Representatives, potentially delaying pay rises for soldiers and other critical measures. The coming weeks will determine whether a compromise can be found or if the dispute escalates into a full-blown funding crisis.
