Rep. Smith introduces national commission on military aviation safety amendment

Roughly one week after the Pentagon characterized an uptick in aviation mishaps as "not a crisis," House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 defense policy bill that would call for a study on military aviation safety and establish a national commission.

The commission would have eight members -- four appointed by the president; one appointed by the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman; one appointed by the House Armed Services Committee chairman; and one selected by the House Armed Services Committee ranking member. Smith introduced the amendment ahead of the committee's mark-up Wednesday.

The new commission would conduct a comprehensive study of aviation mishaps that occurred from FY-13 through FY-18. The study would analyze causes that contributed to these mishaps, make recommendations on modifications, safety, training maintenance, personnel, or other policies related to military aviation safety, according to the amendment.

Funding for the commission would come from Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps operations and maintenance accounts.