Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke at a memorial event marking one year since a mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport that claimed 67 lives. The accident involved a U.S. Army helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 over the Potomac River.
At the event titled “Honoring the 67 & Unsung Heroes,” Cruz addressed families of those lost in the crash and acknowledged their role in shaping aviation safety legislation. He said, “One year ago tomorrow, tragedy struck just a few miles from here over the Potomac River. 67 souls were tragically lost in an instant.” He continued, “Every one of the lives lost mattered; every person lost is missed terribly. Unfortunately, for many in the audience tonight, it is a loss that you carry every single day.”
Cruz commended family members for channeling their grief into advocacy efforts that led to the development of the ROTOR Act, which aims to improve oversight and regulation within aviation safety. He remarked on their resilience: “Yet, amid unimaginable grief, over the past year, I have witnessed extraordinary strength. I have witnessed resilience, courage, and determination. Instead of turning inward, you chose to stand up, speak out, and insist that no other family endure the pain you have faced.”
He recalled personal meetings with several family members after the incident: “Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you personally. Hearing about your loved ones... has helped to shape the work we’ve done and only strengthened my resolve.”
Discussing policy progress made since the crash, Cruz stated: “After the crash it became clear that serious gaps had allowed this accident to happen. Gaps in oversight, coordination, and regulation that allowed an area of intolerable risk to persist.” He emphasized bipartisan support for aviation safety reform through pending legislation: “I know this isn’t a political event and policy isn’t the focus...in Congress we have made serious progress in advancing the ROTOR Act...We’re very close to having it become law and I’m hopeful our House colleagues will come around and pass it.”
Cruz concluded by reaffirming his commitment to see these reforms enacted: “I am committed to seeing this work through...While we cannot change the past, we can work together to create a safer future – one that honors your loved ones not just for how they were lost but for [their] enduring impact...Thank you.”
