After Deadly Midair Collision Near DCA, Norton Urges DoD to Permanently Cease Helicopter Flights of Most VIPs in NCR

February 25, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that killed 67 people, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to permanently cease transporting VIPs in the National Capital Region (NCR) by helicopter, with exceptions for the president, vice president and in national emergencies. “The convenience of government officials should not take precedence over aviation safety and the quiet enjoyment of residents of the NCR,” Norton wrote. The full letter follows. February 25, 2025 The Honorable Pete Hegseth Secretary U.S. Department of Defense 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301 Dear Secretary Hegseth: I have long been concerned about aviation safety and noise in the National Capital Region (NCR).  In light of the tragic midair collision that killed 67 people near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, I urge the Department of Defense to permanently cease transporting government officials by helicopter in the NCR, except for the President and Vice President or in the event of a national emergency.  The convenience of government officials should not take precedence over aviation safety or the quiet enjoyment of residents of the NCR. I request a response in writing by March 11, 2025. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton ###