The National Transportation Safety Board pushed back hard against claims that government cuts hurt their crash investigation work. Chair Jennifer Homendy made it clear the agency hasn’t lost staff to budget trims. She said 17 investigators are handling the Hudson River helicopter crash probe with full support from Washington.
Homendy told reporters the NTSB kept every worker thanks to hiring exemptions from the administration. “We didn’t lose one probationary employee,” she said. Critics who blamed the DOGE’s efficiency push for hampering crash probes got shut down fast. The chair stressed her team’s fully staffed and capable of handling complex investigations without delays.
Conservative lawmakers praised Homendy for cutting through bureaucracy. “This shows smart governance works,” said one House Republican. “Agencies can do more with less when focused on core missions instead of political games.” The NTSB’s budget stayed steady while other departments faced belt-tightening.
Some questioned why liberals keep demanding bigger budgets when results prove otherwise. The NTSB completed over 1,250 investigations last year with 427 employees. Homendy’s team even improved response times despite supposed “underfunding.” Fiscal hawks called this proof that limited government breeds efficiency.
The chair dismissed fearmongering about staffing shortages. She noted air traffic controller training paused briefly during past shutdowns but rebounded quickly. “Safety remains our top priority,” Homendy said. Conservatives argue this proves responsible spending beats blank checks. They say the left’s doom-and-gloom predictions about budget cuts never materialize.
Homendy’s calm leadership contrasts with liberal activists screaming about imaginary crises. While Democrats push for endless funding hikes, the NTSB shows disciplined agencies deliver results. Taxpayers deserve credit for demanding accountability instead of throwing money at problems.
The Hudson River investigation moves forward without delays. Divers recovered key evidence while analysts review flight data and maintenance records. Homendy urged witnesses to share photos or videos through the NTSB’s website. She promised answers but warned thorough probes take time.
Conservatives say this tragedy highlights why we need strong oversight, not bigger government. The NTSB’s effective work disproves the left’s narrative that budget discipline undermines safety. As Homendy put it: “We have the people and tools needed to prevent future accidents.” That’s what real leadership looks like.
