Rep. Doggett Offers an Amendment to Prevent Another Hot Air Balloon Tragedy
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) delivered remarks on the House Floor on an amendment he authored, designed to prevent more tragedies similar to the devastating hot air balloon crash that killed 16 people near Lockhart in 2016. Rep. Doggett's full remarks can be found here. In part, Rep. Doggett said:
"Since 2016, I have repeatedly urged the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] to adopt a safety measure, long recommended by the NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board], to help avert other such tragedies. The NTSB found that the FAA's refusal to require balloon operators to obtain a medical certificate contributed to the Caldwell County crash. My bipartisan amendment would end this exemption and ensure no more families risk injury or death from an impaired pilot. Continued inaction is inexcusable and risks condemning more unsuspecting passengers to death.
"Uniting in an early morning prayer at the Caldwell County Courthouse to remember the victims, a bell was rung sixteen times for each person lost. You cannot unring a bell. We cannot bring these precious lives back. But from their loss, we can pass my amendment and help ensure no other family must so needlessly suffer."
2016's hot air balloon crash was the deadliest aviation disaster since 2009. In his remarks, Rep. Doggett pointed to the photograph below, which illustrates what was left after the accident. In October 2017, the NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt said, "I am disappointed that the FAA appears to be shirking its responsibility."
Rep. Doggett's amendment was approved for Floor action as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act and may be considered on Thursday or Friday. Before any bill can be considered in the House, a rule outlining the procedure for consideration and time allotted must be approved. Rep. Doggett spoke on this rule.
Photo: NTSB Report