Senate Committee Reviews Reagan National Midair Collision Report Today

Senate Committee Reviews Reagan National Midair Collision Report Today

Washington, D.C. is home to several high-stakes government sessions today, Thursday, February 12, 2026. From federal investigations into aviation safety to local efforts involving historic preservation and District-wide budget oversight, officials are convening to address critical policy matters and safety recommendations.

Senate Investigation into DCA Aviation Safety

One of the most significant events on today’s schedule is a full committee hearing hosted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST, the hearing, titled “The NTSB Final Report: The DCA Midair Collision,” is being chaired by Senator Ted Cruz. The session is dedicated to examining the final findings, probable causes, and safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the midair collision that occurred on January 29, 2025, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Lawmakers are expected to question aviation experts and federal regulators about air traffic control procedures and the implementation of new technologies intended to prevent similar incidents in the District's congested airspace. The hearing aims to establish federal safety standards and ensure that the recommendations from the NTSB are integrated into current aviation policy.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Business Meeting

Meanwhile, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is holding its quarterly business meeting today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Arlo Hotel in Northwest D.C. This session, which is open to the public, covers several major policy shifts and organizational updates. Key items on the agenda include:

• A proposed vote on the adoption of the Council’s new Strategic Plan to guide future preservation initiatives.
• Regulatory reviews of Section 106, which governs how federal agencies account for historic properties in their undertakings.
• A summary and vote on the Army Program Comment regarding the management of cultural resources on military installations.
• Updates on the development of a new Cultural Resources Data Platform and an overview of current budget and staffing operations.

District Oversight and Advocacy Sessions

At the local level, the Council of the District of Columbia is currently in the midst of its annual performance and budget oversight season. While the full Council does not have a formal legislative session scheduled for today, various committees are conducting deep-dive reviews of agency performance and fiscal year 2027 budget requests. These hearings are essential for the Council to scrutinize how District agencies have managed resources over the past year.

Additionally, the Free DC Congress Working Group is holding a hybrid meeting this evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss legislative priorities for District advocacy. The meeting will focus on developing projects to present to Congress that emphasize District autonomy and enhanced safety for local residents.