The House Is Opening an Investigation Into Military Use of Airspace Around DCA

The lawmakers are seeking answers following the crash between a passenger flight and military helicopter that left dozens dead earlier this year.

William Timmons

Tom Williams/AP

Members of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs announced Thursday that they opened an investigation into the military’s use of airspace near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The investigation follows the January crash between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter that killed more than 60 people as it approached for a landing. It’s also happening as there is increased nervousness about flight safety, including from lawmakers.

The Republican chair of the subcommittee, Rep. William Timmons, and the Democratic ranking member, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asking for a “member-level” briefing on the crash by April 1.