NTSB Chair questions DOT workforce cuts impact on safety investigations

Concerns over workforce reductions at the Department of Transportation (DOT) took center stage during the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations' oversight hearing on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on March 26, 2025. The meeting highlighted the alarming termination of 790 DOT employees, including 340 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and 70 from the Federal Highway Administration. This trend raises significant questions about the agency's ability to maintain safety standards and close out thousands of transportation safety recommendations.

The discussion underscored the critical role of the NTSB, which relies on collaboration with other federal agencies to conduct investigations and make safety recommendations. With the workforce shrinking, concerns were voiced about the potential impact on the NTSB's effectiveness and its relationships with essential partners like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard.

Chair of the NTSB, Jennifer Homendy, noted that her agency has not experienced similar layoffs, thanks to hiring exemptions and strong support from the administration. However, she expressed concern about the broader implications of workforce cuts across the DOT, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to address emerging safety issues.

The hearing also touched on the NTSB's limitations, as it lacks the authority to enforce its recommendations, which raises further questions about the implementation of safety measures following serious incidents, such as the mid-air collision referenced during the meeting.

As the committee continues to assess the impact of workforce reductions, the future of transportation safety hangs in the balance, with stakeholders urging for a strategic approach to staffing and funding to ensure public safety remains a top priority.