Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell provided the following statement:
The Department of War appreciates Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, Sen. Moran, Sen. Marshall, and Sen. Duckworth for their sustained engagement on the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act and shares their commitment to improving aviation safety and accountability.
Over the past months, the Department worked closely with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to incorporate provisions addressing critical safety, budgetary, and national security considerations associated with sensitive rotorcraft operations. While we continue to support the intent and objectives of the legislation, the version passed by the Senate does not reflect several of the mutually discussed updates.
As currently drafted, enactment would create significant unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks affecting national defense activities. The Department remains ready to continue productive dialogue with Congress to ensure the legislation achieves its safety goals while protecting essential operational capabilities and resources.