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Nadler, Malliotakis, Menendez, Goldman, Espaillat Introduce Helicopter Safety and Parity Act

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash that took six lives. The bipartisan bill mandate safety standards for helicopters that are, at a minimum, equivalent to airplanes.

One year ago tomorrow, a routine sightseeing tour turned tragic when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River and six people—Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three children, Agustín, Mercè and Victor (ages 10, 8, and 4), and 36-year-old Navy veteran pilot Seankese Johnson—lost their lives.

In response, Reps. Nadler, MalliotakisMenendez, Goldman, and Espaillat are introducing the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act, to reduce the risk of a similar crash like the one that took six lives one year ago from ever happen again in the United States.

The bill achieves safety parity between airplanes and helicopters by mandating the development of new safety rules and standards, requiring the use of specific safety equipment, applying airline-equivalent maintenance standards, and ensuring strict enforcement and regular oversight. The bill also provides funding for inspectors to implement the new safety regime. Together, this approach addresses the safety gaps most likely to reduce the risk of a similar crash in the future.

“The 2025 Hudson River crash stands as a tragic reminder of the enduring impact of sudden loss. On this painful first anniversary, I offer my continued comfort to the family of the victims and commend them for turning their profound grief over their horrific loss into valiant advocacy for the safety of us all,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12). “In the year since the crash, this incident has prompted reflection, investigation, and renewed calls for vigilance and safety, even as the memory of those lost continues to be honored with solemn remembrance. I am proud to have authored the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act and to introduce it with my colleagues today. The bill puts forth a simple notion: helicopters should be held to the same safety standards as airplanes. Such a notion is common sense, and it’s time for our laws and regulators to catch up. By adopting the safety measures outlined in the bill, we can work to reduce the risk of another crash in the future.”

"Today, we stand with the families still carrying the pain of last year's tragic Hudson River helicopter crash. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost and renew our commitment to ensuring no family endures such a tragedy again,” said Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). “For too long, sightseeing helicopter operators have exploited regulatory gaps to operate under lower safety standards than those of other passenger aircraft. This is unacceptable. Every passenger deserves the same level of protection, regardless of the aircraft they board. The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is a commonsense step to close these loopholes, strengthen oversight, and put passengers and communities first. We owe it to these families, future passengers, and local residents to act with urgency and ensure these stronger protections and safety measures are in place."

“I am proud to co-lead legislation to protect our communities by ensuring that helicopter flights are held to the highest possible safety standards,” said Representative Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “Last year’s Hudson River helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people only made it more urgent to address serious helicopter safety issues. I’m grateful to join Congressman Nadler on this bill and I remain committed to doing everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”

“One year removed from the tragic 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash, I am proud to help introduce the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act.” said Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10). “That devastating incident underscored a clear gap in our aviation safety standards, where helicopters are not required to maintain the same safety protocol as airplanes. This commonsense legislation will close that gap and help reduce the risk of fatal crashes from occurring again.”

“For too long, non-essential helicopters have caused public safety hazards and noise pollution for the residents of New York and New Jersey,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Last year’s crash was yet another in a long line of senseless tragedies and it is far past time that the FAA and Congress step up. We owe it to the victims to do all we can to prevent incidents like this from happening again.”

“No other family should have to experience the loss our family has experienced,” said Joan Camprubí Montal, speaking on behalf of the Escobar Camprubí family. “Aviation safety is not a choice, it is a responsibility. Our prayer is that no family will have to endure what we have had to endure.”

“One year after the devastating Hudson River helicopter crash, we remember the six lives lost and stand with their loved ones, who have turned unimaginable grief into powerful advocacy,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal. “For years, I’ve pushed to reduce nonessential helicopter traffic over our city and strengthen safety standards for flights in and around Manhattan. This legislation is a critical step forward and can finally ensure helicopters are held to the same rigorous standards as airplanes. I’m grateful to the Members of Congress for their leadership, and I urge swift action to close these gaps and help prevent another tragedy in our skies or in our waterways.”

“Nearly one year after the tragic Hudson River helicopter crash, we continue to carry the memory of the lives lost and stand with the families who have transformed their grief into meaningful advocacy. No New Yorker should have to wonder whether the aircraft flying over our neighborhoods meet the highest possible safety standards,” said New York State Senator Erik Bottcher. “The Helicopter Safety and Parity Act is a critical, common-sense step toward closing longstanding gaps in oversight and ensuring helicopters are held to the same rigorous standards as fixed-wing aircraft. I’m grateful to Congressman Nadler and his colleagues for their leadership, and I join in urging swift passage of this legislation to better protect our communities and prevent another devastating tragedy.”

“One year ago, a family of five, including three children, on a sightseeing tour over Manhattan tragically died when the helicopter they were on crashed," said New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. “This tragedy underscores the vast inadequacies of the helicopter industry, as well as the many safety loopholes that jeopardize the safety of all New Yorkers and tourists. The regulatory status quo cannot continue, which is why I am thrilled that Congressman Nadler has introduced the Helicopter Safety Parity Act to level the airfield for all operators. I will continue to partner with my colleagues in government to help push this bill over the finish line.”

“Almost one year on, the pain of the 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash still sits heavy on our hearts,” said New York State Assemblymember Tony Simone. “New Yorkers and visitors alike should never have to question whether the aircraft flying above our city meet the highest safety standards. I thank Representative Nadler, with advocacy from the members of the Escobar Camprubí family, for introducing the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act, a common-sense step to close that gap, strengthen oversight, and prevent another devastating loss of life.”

“The tragic loss of the Escobar Camprubí family is a stark reminder that the regulatory loopholes governing helicopter operations can cost lives,” said New York State Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “The Helicopter Safety Parity Act would require sightseeing operators to meet the same standards as every other commercial carrier, and we should get it passed.”

“The horrific tragedy of the deaths of Agustin Escobar Canadas, Merce Camprubi Montal, their three children, and pilot Seankese Johnson on April 10, 2025, from a helicopter crash in the Hudson River will never be forgotten. We continue to mourn with the rest of the family, friends, colleagues, and all of Spain,” said New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer (D-Manhattan) “Although flying over Manhattan and up and down the Hudson River is of interest to some tourists, I, along with many elected officials including Congress Member Jerry Nadler, have urged at least three Mayors to close the Downtown Manhattan Heliport/Downtown Skyport (Pier 6) and the West 30th Street Heliport to all non-essential helicopter tours. Unfortunately, this crash is the latest in a list of accidents in New York; at least 38 people have died in helicopter accidents since 1977, mostly in sightseeing flights. I urge this Mayor to ban all non-essential helicopter take-offs from NYC heliports. Helicopters are dangerous, noisy, and contributors to poor air quality by emitting greenhouse gases like CO2.” Council Member Brewer continued, “Our advocacy to curtail tourism helicopter flights over New York City is on-going, but I am also sending my deepest condolences to the Canadas family.”

The text of the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act can be viewed here.

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Nadler Praises Passage of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act of 2025 unanimously. Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) the lead House Democratic sponsor of the legislation released the following statement:

“More than 100,000 works of art that were looted by the Nazis from Jewish families during the Holocaust remain unrecovered. We must confront this unacceptable and repugnant reality, which continues to allow entities and individuals to profit off the Jewish people’s pain.

“I was proud to lead efforts to pass the original HEAR Act in 2016 that fought back and began to bring justice to victim’s families, and I am honored to continue the fight as the lead House Democratic sponsor of the updated legislation that passed the House unanimously today.

“Today the House of Representatives affirmed that in the United States, every victim and family member with a credible claim deserves to have their day in court, with their case heard on the merits alone. Justice must no longer be denied due to procedural technicalities and legislative sunset provisions.

“While we cannot reverse the horrors of the Holocaust, we can ensure that in an American courtroom, the truth of a family’s legacy carries more weight than a legal loophole.”

Upon House passage, this bipartisan bill now heads to the President’s desk.

Nadler Statement on Trump's Military Action in Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement on Trump's military action in Iran:

"Overnight, Trump started an illegal war without approval from Congress and against the wishes of the American people.

"This war will bring needless death and destruction – risking American lives and civilian casualties.

"This is a pure war of aggression. Iran poses no imminent threat. And by insisting on regime change, it promises to start a long war like the war in Iraq. If Donald Trump wanted to go to war, he should have gone to Congress first and convince the American people and their representatives that the cause is worthy of the expenditure of American blood and treasure.

"Trump campaigned on ending forever wars, and he may just have started one.

"These attacks are not about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. How do we know?

"A) Because the President said we had previously obliterated it.

"B) Because the Iranians have continually said that they didn’t want a nuclear weapon and were willing to negotiate an inspection regime that would guarantee that.

"C) Because we have a record of the Obama administration successfully negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran that included robust inspections and safeguards against the development of a nuclear weapon, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump tore up upon taking office. Just because Trump failed to secure an agreement of his own, doesn’t mean the United States should go to war.

"Furthermore, by ignoring Congress Trump is continuing his long march toward authoritarianism. This is yet another presidential usurpation of power leading to an authoritarian regime. Because only Congress has the power to declare war, and it is now up to us to stop it.

"Congress must do everything in our power to stop Trump from continuing his illegal war. We must bring up a War Powers resolution immediately. I will vote to pass the resolution to bring an end to these illegal attacks, and I urge my colleagues to do the same."

Nadler, Lasher Statement on ICE Entering Columbia University Residential Building and Detaining Student

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and NYS Assemblymember Micah Lasher (AD/69) released the following statement on ICE agents entering a Columbia University dorm and detaining a student:

“We are disgusted and outraged that ICE agents entered a Columbia University residential building under false pretenses and without a judicial warrant to detain a student.

“ICE has no place in our City, schools, and homes. Law enforcement agents should not, under no circumstance, misrepresent their identity to gain entrance into a residence. These actions do not keep us safe, they only sow distrust and fear into our community. ICE is terrorizing our neighbors and ripping students from their homes. We are doing everything in our power to help bring the student home.”

Nadler Statement on Not Attending President Trump’s State of the Union

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement on his decision to not attend President Trump's State of the Union address:

This year, I will not be attending President Trump’s State of the Union address.

The State of the Union should be a moment of truth and accountability. Instead, President Trump will use this platform, as he has so many others, to spread falsehoods, inflame hatred, and deepen division in our country. I will not sit in that chamber and lend credibility to rhetoric designed to divide Americans, undermine democratic institutions, and distract from policies that harm working people.

I refuse to lend legitimacy to an administration that is stripping healthcare from millions of Americans in order to finance tax cuts for billionaires and pour billions of dollars into expanding mass detention and deportation.

Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill delivered the largest transfer of wealth from low-income families to the ultra-rich in our nation’s history, slashing incomes for the bottom sixty percent of earners while adding $4 trillion to the deficit, the largest increase ever passed by Congress. It stripped healthcare from over 17 million people, including 1.5 million New Yorkers, as part of $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts nationwide. At the same time, the richest 0.1% will have an average annual tax cut of over $300,000, while the bottom 20% of families will see their taxes rise.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has spent $170 billion making Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) into an agency that acts like the American Gestapo. The Trump Administration has launched a brutal and reckless campaign to strike fear in immigrant communities across the country and ICE is on the front lines, using aggressive and violent tactics that too often end in tragedy. Masked federal agents are arresting U.S. citizens, pulling people out of their homes, tearing children away from their parents, and shooting our own citizens dead in the street.

The State of the Union is meant to reflect a commitment to strengthening our country, bringing Americans together, and upholding the Constitution. Until this administration changes course, I will stand in solidarity with those harmed by its policies and continue fighting for a government that serves the people, not the powerful.

New Yorkers and the American people deserve better. And I will never stop fighting to deliver for them.

Nadler, DeLauro, McGovern, Morelle, and Raskin File Amicus Brief in Texas v. Bondi to Preserve Congress’ Authority to Set its Own Rules

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), sponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, Joe Morelle (NY-25), Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee, and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, on Friday reaffirmed their support for Congress’ constitutional authority in Texas v. Bondi, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit prepares to rehear the case en banc.

In August 2025, a Fifth Circuit panel reversed a ruling by the Northern District of Texas that had blocked enforcement of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) against the State of Texas. In January 2026, however, the Fifth Circuit granted rehearing en banc and vacated the panel’s opinion, placing the issue before the full court. The district court held that proxy voting procedures used by the House during the COVID-19 pandemic were unconstitutional.

“If upheld, this case would deal a devastating blow to Congress’s constitutional authority to determine its own rules and proceedings, authority that is fundamental to the separation of powers,” said Representative Nadler, the lead sponsor of the PWFA. “The Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to govern itself. Allowing the courts to override that authority would upend more than a century of legal precedent and weaken Congress as a co-equal branch of government. I am proud to join my colleagues in filing this amicus brief to defend Congress’s institutional prerogatives and protect the constitutional balance that safeguards our democracy.”

The Members previously filed an amicus brief urging the Court to reverse the district court’s decision, which would undermine Congress’ authority to set its own rules. The Members explained that the House clearly had an established quorum when passing H.R. 2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which included the PWFA, and that courts must respect the will of the majority in passing this legislation. Not allowing Congress to shape its own rules could potentially jeopardize national security in an emergency, while also undermining core separation-of-powers principles and disenfranchising millions of constituents.

Congress passed H. Res. 965 to authorize remote voting by proxy during the coronavirus pandemic to allow the continuity of government while protecting public health. Democrats and Republicans both voted by proxy under these rules. Under the Congressional Proceedings and the Rulemaking Clause of the Constitution, the House of Representatives is authorized to establish rules by which each will conduct its own business. Additionally, the Constitution’s Quorum Clause does not explicitly mention a physical presence in the Chamber to establish a quorum.