At Senate Commerce Hearing, Luján Underscores Need for Transparency and Communication Following Airspace Closures in Texas and New Mexico

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, underscored the need for clear communication and answers following recent airspace closures in Texas and New Mexico during a Senate Commerce hearing. Senator Luján specifically highlighted the lack of communication between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and federal agencies, detailing how it caused the airspace closures in Texas and New Mexico.

Full video of Senator Luján’s exchange is available here.

An excerpt of Senator Luján opening statement is available below:

Just yesterday, we saw how the lack of coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense can lead to widespread confusion.

Flights were delayed, canceled for many of my constituents, Senator Cruz’s constituents, and others throughout the United States.

But it’s more than flights being canceled. It is the worry and uncertainty that also came from this.

There has still been no answer from the President, from the United States government, from the Department of Transportation, from the Department of Defense.

After speaking with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, Senator Luján issued a statement demanding transparency, communication, and accountability. Senator Luján also issued a statement immediately after the FAA lifted the temporary closure of airspace over El Paso calling for answers from the FAA.

###