The measures, approved during committee markup of the defense bill, would require more information from the Defense Department on the February closure and domestic counter-drone testing.

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez secured two amendments during committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act aimed at getting answers from the Defense Department about the February closure of El Paso International Airport.

Vasquez, D-N.M., introduced one amendment requiring the Defense Department to report on its coordination process with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, explain what caused the Feb. 11 closure and detail how similar incidents can be prevented in the future, according to a news release from his office.

A second amendment seeks information from the Defense Department on the safety, feasibility and capabilities of directed-energy counter-drone systems the department is using and testing domestically.

Both measures passed during committee markup and will move forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives, Vasquez’s office said.

“On February 11, the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration were responsible for a huge failure, and it left southern New Mexicans in a state of chaos and confusion. That is unacceptable,” Vasquez said. “I will keep fighting every step of the way to get the answers and accountability New Mexicans deserve and assurance that this will never happen again.”

On Feb. 11, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of El Paso International Airport, citing “special security concerns.” The restrictions were lifted within hours after congressional inquiry, according to Vasquez’s office.

All flights, including commercial, cargo and general aviation, were initially grounded. Vasquez’s office said the FAA provided no advance notice to Congress, local leadership or airport officials.

The amendments build on earlier efforts by Vasquez and other members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation to seek information about the closure. On Feb. 12, Vasquez joined U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján in requesting a classified briefing on the airspace closure.

On March 17, Vasquez questioned Assistant Secretary Joseph Humire about where the communications failure occurred and what steps the Defense Department was taking to prevent similar situations in the future. Vasquez’s office said he also asked about risks that counter-drone laser systems used by the Defense Department could pose to civilians and secured a briefing from department officials, which took place April 28.