Los Angeles, CA – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

As we await details on what caused the horrific collision last night at Washington National Airport, our prayers continue to be with the victims, their families and the first responders executing search and rescue operations. 

The nation is reeling from the deadliest plane crash in over 20 years, in addition to the horrific wildfire damage in Southern California. People are suffering in Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, Wichita, the Washington, D.C. area and all across America. It’s a time that requires leadership, compassion and decency.

Lives have been lost and families have been devastated. While people are suffering, extreme MAGA Republicans are peddling lies and attacking people of color and women without any basis whatsoever. 

This is not America. The American people deserve better. House Democrats will make sure the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have the resources needed to keep the American people safe and conduct a thorough investigation of the tragedy above Washington National Airport.

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