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Tag: National Defense Authorization Act

  • Concerns raised about House passed bill that would loosen DCA airspace restrictions – WTOP News

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    A $900 billion Pentagon spending bill that has passed the U.S. House is raising concerns because of some language NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy says weakens some of the reforms enacted in the aftermath of the Jan. 29 plane crash near Reagan National Airport.

    A $900 billion Pentagon spending bill that has passed the U.S. House and now heads to the Senate is raising concerns because of some language the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy, says weakens some of the reforms enacted in the aftermath of the Jan. 29 crash near Reagan National Airport.

    An Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided and 67 people in both aircraft died.

    “It represents an unacceptable risk to the flying public to commercial and military aircraft, crews and to the residents in the region,” Homendy said Wednesday. “It’s also an unthinkable dismissal of our investigation and of 67 families … who lost loved ones in a tragedy that was entirely preventable. This is shameful.”

    The NTSB has no regulatory authority and can only make recommendations about ways to improve transportation safety, and Homendy’s strong remarks about the legislation caught many people by surprise.

    Aviation safety analyst Jeff Guzzetti is an independent transportation professional, having worked for both the NTSB and the FAA. He is now an analyst at NBC News. He said Homendy has put a stake in the ground when it comes to safety around Reagan National.

    “This House language greatly weakens safety to the point where she believes the airspace around DCA will be unsafe,” he said. “Her interpretation of this legislation is that it rolls back things before the mid-air collision/accident, and she finds that unacceptable.”

    Specifically, Homendy and several senators pointed to language in the House bill that includes exceptions that would allow military helicopters to fly through the crowded airspace around the nation’s capital without using technology called Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, or ADS-B, to broadcast aircraft location data to other planes and air traffic controllers.

    ADS-B transmissions allow pilots in nearby airspace to track in real-time the exact locations of other commercial planes, helicopters and general aviation planes, providing an extra level of safety so aviators can avoid collisions.

    However, the transmissions are not encrypted, and the information is available on numerous websites. And many in the military do not want the flights tracked, especially if they are carrying high-ranking government officials.

    A little more than a month after the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration began requiring military pilots to use ADS-B when flying.

    Homendy said when it comes to determining safety risks, the military aren’t the experts. In the years before the crash, there were 85 close calls near DCA between military helicopters and commercial jets, and neither the Pentagon nor the Army noticed the deteriorating safety situation. She also said that no one on Capitol Hill bothered to consult with the NTSB as they wrote the bill.

    “Chair Homendy wasn’t getting satisfaction from the many phone calls she was attempting to make to the House committees,” Guzzetti said, adding the restrictions put in place after the crash that strictly limit military helicopter flights near DCA are working, because he said history has shown allowing low-flying helicopters at night near a crowded airport, as was the case in January, is too dangerous.

    “She is using the bully pulpit of the NTSB to get her message across,” he said.

    Officials react

    Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, said on Thursday the National Defense Authorization Act fails to implement minimum standards for military helicopters operating in mixed airspace, such as Reagan National. Moran wants the legislation amended.

    Several of the people who died on the American Airlines plane were from his home state and the plane had departed from Wichita.

    Two other senators, Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) filed amendments to the legislation to remove the helicopter safety provisions.

    “We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements, not give the Department of Defense bigger loopholes to exploit,” the senators said.

    Virginia’s two U.S. senators also criticized the proposed changes.

    “The language in this provision could allow rolling back crucial new safety practices I fought to implement after the Jan. 29 tragedy and give the Department of Defense more discretion over safety procedures in the region,” Sen. Mark Warner said in a statement.

    He added that the Department of Defense needs more supervision and regulation, not less.

    “It’s clear that we cannot rely on the DoD alone to be the safety authority over its flights in this area,” he stressed in the statement.

    Sen. Tim Kaine has been one of the leaders to tighten airspace and other flight restrictions at DCA.

    Future movements

    The NTSB’s final report on the cause of the collision is expected mid-2026. Investigators have already determined the Black Hawk was flying too low on a helicopter route that provided minimal separation between jets and helicopters approaching Reagan’s secondary Runway 33, which the regional jet was about to land on.

    An estimated 20 seconds before the crash, the jet’s two pilots did get a warning. However, because the jet was at such a low altitude, just over 310 feet, the collision avoidance system is only partially enabled to prevent false alarms because there is little room to maneuver.

    President Donald Trump said he wants to sign the bill because it advances many of his priorities and it also provides a 3.8% pay hike for many in the military.

    The Senate could take up the legislation next week, and it appears unlikely that any final changes will be made. But Congress is leaving for a holiday break at the end of the week, and the defense bill is considered something that must pass by the end of the year.

    WTOP’s Capitol Hill Correspondent Mitchell Miller, Gaby Arancibia and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Dan Ronan

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  • The US House OK’d the 2026 NDAA. How are officials across the DC region reacting? – WTOP News

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    The U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act in a 312-112 vote late Wednesday, advancing the policy bill to the U.S. Senate for possible clearance by next week.

    The U.S. House of Representatives officially approved the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act in a 312-112 vote late Wednesday, advancing the policy bill to the U.S. Senate for possible clearance by next week.

    The 3,000-plus page bill includes legislation that offers a pay hike to service members, increasing congressional oversight over the U.S. Department of Defense and language in favor of reopening up the District’s airspace to the military.

    Restrictions for military flyovers were put in place in January following the midair collision between an American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army helicopter near D.C.’s Reagan National Airport. The fatal collision killed 67 people.

    Ahead of the NDAA’s passage in the lower congressional house, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said she “vehemently” opposed the Section 373 provision, explaining it rolls back essential safety measures.

    “This section to the lay reader is drafted to seemingly enhance safety,” she said. “I want to be very clear that it does not, in any way, enhance safety.”

    Adam Tuss, the transportation reporter with NBC4, told WTOP that a key question surrounding the legislation is how it wound up in the defense bill in the first place.

    “Nobody has the answers. So, in the days and weeks coming up here, we’re going to have to start digging and see who really wants that provision in there for military training operations around our airports, and why?” Tuss said.

    Reaction from families of Flight 5342

    In a joint statement, the families of Flight 5342 said Section 373 “does not resolve the visibility and coordination failures that contributed” to the January midair collision.

    “Section 373 applies only to training missions — even though military helicopters in the National Capital Region fly a wide range of missions that routinely place them near commercial aircraft. It focuses narrowly on TCAS-compatible alerts rather than true visibility and broadcast requirements, and it preserves broad national-security exceptions similar to those in place at the time of the Flight 5342 collision,” the statement reads.

    “These gaps mean the provision does not meaningfully mitigate the risks that proved fatal for our loved ones,” the families wrote in the statement.

    “We urge Congress to strengthen Section 373 by requiring real, enforceable visibility standards for all military aircraft operating near civilian traffic,” it continues.

    In separate remarks, Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son, Sam, was the first officer of the jetliner, said the current version of the provision that was cleared by the U.S. House “has several unsatisfactory provisions related to aviation safety.”

    “Safety that depends on exemptions cannot be the foundation of a secure airspace system,” their statement reads. “The flying public and all those that utilize our airspace deserve better than what this bill provides.”

    DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

    D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser blasted the inclusion of Section 373, saying the measure “disregards” airspace restrictions and safety factors that were implemented in the wake of the midair collision.

    “It is now clear that this provision was included without consultation from the NTSB, the agency leading the investigation into the crash, and without regard for the safety of D.C. residents, visitors, and our military personnel,” she said in a statement.

    “I urge Congress to strike Section 373 from the NDAA and to follow the recommendations of safety experts. I will continue working alongside our federal partners to ensure compliance with safety protocols and to protect the integrity of our airspace,” her statement added.

    Virgina Senators

    U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) shared similar sentiments and concerns about the NDAA’s impact on D.C.’s airspace safety.

    “The language in this provision could allow rolling back crucial new safety practices I fought to implement after the Jan. 29 tragedy and give the Department of Defense more discretion over safety procedures in the region,” Warner said in a statement. 

    He added that the Department of Defense needs more supervision and regulation, not less.

    “It’s clear that we cannot rely on the DoD alone to be the safety authority over its flights in this area,” he stressed in the statement.

    U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who also serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Seapower, weighed in on the NDAA’s failure to include language on restoring the names of military bases, an action that was backed by a bipartisan commission.

    “I’m glad that the House voted to pass this year’s defense bill, which includes important provisions that will support service members, military families, Virginia’s defense community, and our allies,” he said in a statement.

    “However, I’m extremely disappointed that a provision I fought for to restore a bipartisan commission’s names of our military bases was taken out at the last minute because President Trump threatened to veto the entire defense bill — just like he did in 2020, even though it included a pay raise for service members — to prevent changes to bases named for Confederates.”

    “Virginians were proud to honor Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot, Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, Lt. Col. Charity Adams, and Dr. Mary Walker. It’s shameful that the Virginia bases won’t continue to be named after these four amazing individuals,” Kaine’s statement added.

    Kaine’s statement notes that both a bipartisan committee and the House Armed Services Committee cleared the language in efforts to restore the names of the Virginia bases.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Gaby Arancibia

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  • The VFW Stands Up For Marijuana

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    Long a conservative standard, the VFW is recognizing  science and the needs of their members.

    Seen as a symbol of small towns, patriotic service and right of center, the VFW stands up for marijuana. In a move that reflects shifting attitudes toward cannabis and wellness, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is partnering with Torch Cannabis Co. to introduce THC-infused beverages at select posts across the country. The rollout will occur only in states where cannabis products are legal, and profits will support veteran assistance programs and community services.

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

    The decision marks one of the most progressive steps in the VFW’s 125-year history—aligning the organization more closely with public opinion than with the still-cautious federal stance on marijuana.

    Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War, the VFW has long been a cornerstone of American veteran life—championing health care access, benefits, and social connection for returning service members. Its neighborhood posts have served as gathering places for generations, known as much for camaraderie as for the signature bar and beer taps behind it.

    The move toward cannabis beverages represents both a generational shift and an acknowledgment of new realities. Many younger veterans—especially those from Iraq and Afghanistan—are increasingly open to low-dose cannabis drinks as alternatives to alcohol or prescription medications.

    “This isn’t about turning the VFW into a dispensary,” one national officer explained. “It’s about offering veterans responsible choices and keeping our organization relevant to the next generation.”

    For years, veterans have turned to medical marijuana to ease symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and insomnia. Studies from the Department of Veterans Affairs and independent researchers show mixed results, but many service members report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and fewer nightmares.

    While the VA still cannot prescribe or recommend cannabis under federal law, the VFW has publicly supported research into medical cannabis as a treatment option for veterans. The organization has lobbied Congress to allow VA doctors to discuss it openly with patients—a step most lawmakers have yet to take.

    RELATED: Is Cannabis Now The #1 Sleep Aid

    Public sentiment is firmly on the VFW’s side. Surveys show that more than 70 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, and an even higher percentage favor its use for medical purposes. Yet federal cannabis policy remains largely unchanged, despite repeated bipartisan efforts to loosen restrictions for veterans’ medical care.

    By embracing cannabis beverages, the VFW is once again ahead of the curve—echoing the will of its members and the public rather than waiting for Washington to catch up.

    For an organization steeped in tradition, the VFW’s new partnership sends a clear message: supporting veterans means evolving with them. Whether the drink in hand is a cold beer or a mild cannabis seltzer, the mission remains the same—honor, community, and care for those who served.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • The Lit Backstory To This Cocktail

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    Not only is it fresh and delicious – it is a pioneering cocktail

    When you are deciding on a drink, you have plenty of options, but the cool backstory to this cocktail can make you want to have a sip. When you order a Hanky Panky, you’re not just enjoying a balanced blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca—you’re tasting a slice of cocktail history shaped by one of the most important women in bartending: Ada “Coley” Coleman.

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    The Hanky Panky was created in the early 1900s at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, a glamorous destination for high society and global trendsetters. Coleman, who began her bartending career in the 1890s, eventually rose to become head bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar. The appointment made her one of the very first female bartenders in a luxury establishment—a groundbreaking achievement at a time when cocktail culture was still a male-dominated world.

    The story goes the Hanky Panky was invented for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a well-known actor of the time. He wanted something “with a bit of punch,” so Coleman went back to her mixing glass. She experimented with flavors until she hit on a mix of gin, vermouth, and a dash of Fernet-Branca, an Italian amaro known for its bitter and herbal complexity. When Hawtrey tried it, he exclaimed, “By Jove! That’s the real hanky panky!” The name stuck—and so did the cocktail.

    Unlike sweeter drinks of the era, the Hanky Panky delivered layers of intrigue. The gin’s crispness mingled with the vermouth’s rounded sweetness, while the Fernet added a bitter, bracing edge making it feel daring and modern. For cocktail fans today—especially Millennials and Gen Z who love a craft experience—the drink hits a sweet spot of being both vintage and refreshingly different.

    Classic Hanky Panky Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ oz London Dry gin
    • 1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Fernet-Branca

    Create

    1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
    2. Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca
    3. Stir until well chilled
    4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
    5. Garnish with an orange twist

    This simple three-ingredient recipe captures Ada Coleman’s original creation—a timeless balance of bold, bitter, and smooth.

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    But beyond the glass, the Hanky Panky represents a milestone in hospitality history. Coleman wasn’t just a novelty behind the bar—she was a star mixologist who built a loyal following of celebrities, artists, and royals. She paved the way for generations of women to be seen not only as bartenders but as innovators and tastemakers in the cocktail world.

    Today, the Hanky Panky enjoys a comeback in speakeasies, craft cocktail lounges, and even TikTok recipe videos. Young drinkers are rediscovering classic cocktails with personality, and this one delivers both flavor and a feminist backstory. Ordering it isn’t just about enjoying a drink—it’s about raising a glass to the woman who made history by refusing to be boxed in.

    So next time you see a Hanky Panky on the menu, try one. You’ll be tasting more than just a cocktail—you’ll be celebrating Ada Coleman’s legacy, one sip at a time.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Unexpected Cannabis Help For The Military

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    The military and marijuana have had a long history – now members of the GOP are trying to help the services with a change

    From Vietnam to PTSD, marijuana has been part of the armed services. Traditionalists have waged war on the green plant, but now there is unexpected cannabis help for the military. As recruitment numbers continue to shrink, a wave of Republican lawmakers are championing bold reforms to modernize military enlistment—starting with cannabis policy. Their aim? Make the armed forces more accessible to young Americans who’ve legally used marijuana in their daily lives.

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

    At the center of this push is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who introduced an amendment to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would ban marijuana testing for enlistment or officer commissioning. Gaetz argues prior cannabis use should not exclude willing Americans from serving their country, especially amid a recruitment and retention crisis. Nearly 33% more recruits tested positive for marijuana in 2022 compared to 2020. Gaetz has long been one of Congress’s most vocal supporters of cannabis reform, frequently backing measures to decriminalize or normalize its use on both state and federal levels.

    Photo by skeeze via Pixabay

    This isn’t Gaetz’s only effort: other GOP lawmakers are pushing parallel reforms. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) proposed allowing service members to use federally legal CBD products, while the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—co-chaired by R and D members—has introduced amendments to empower VA doctors to advise medical cannabis treatment for veterans in legal states.

    Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee, led by Republicans, advanced a medical cannabis “pilot program” amendment authored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas). This program would allow the Department of Defense to study cannabis’s health effects on veterans with PTSD, depression, and pain—alongside psychedelics research like MDMA and psilocybin trials.

    Why now? With medical marijuana legal in 38 states and recreational use legal in 24, many potential recruits are being filtered out by outdated drug policies—despite evidence those granted waivers perform on par with other soldiers.

    On Reddit, the sentiment is candid:

    “This proposed change would eliminate marijuana testing at time of enlistment/commissioning. Seems like a reasonable change to help recruiting.”

    RELATED: End-of-Summer Digital Detox Is 2025’s Coolest Trend

    For millennials who’ve grown up in a patchwork of legalization, these reforms feel sensible, overdue, and inclusive—a recalibration of military policy to reflect modern societal norms.

    Still, it’s worth noting: none of these proposals are yet law. While some reforms have advanced in committee, they haven’t all made it to the House floor, let alone passed both chambers.

    In sum, a growing cohort of GOP lawmakers is signaling prior use of cannabis should not disqualify military service, flipping the script on recruitment rules and embracing a more inclusive future.

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    Terry Hacienda

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