Reagan Airport Collision Renews FAA Funding Debate

An incident involving two American Airlines flights occurred at Reagan National Airport, where Flight 5490 destined for Charleston, South Carolina, clipped the wing of Flight 4522 bound for JFK Airport, New York, around 12:45 p.m. The collision, which involved six members of Congress and resulted in no injuries, led to both planes being taken out of service for inspections. The incident has intensified calls for restored FAA funding and scrutiny over recent staffing cuts, despite claims by the Trump administration that no critical safety positions have been affected. Representatives Nick LaLota and Josh Gottheimer expressed concerns on social media about the implications of FAA budget cuts on aviation safety. The FAA is investigating the cause of the incident, which follows a deadly crash near the same airport earlier this year. This incident underscores the ongoing debate about air traffic management and safety oversight in the United States.