Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led a letter to the leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense urging them to include report language regarding oversight of Osprey aircraft crashes in the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations bill. Congressman Emmer was joined in the effort by Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06).

“Since the Osprey entered service more than 20 years ago, crashes have taken the lives of over 60 servicemembers and caused 90 injuries. Proper oversight of the crashes of the Osprey aircraft is essential to prevent future servicemembers from losing their lives,” the Representatives wrote in part. “These servicemembers are heroes, and their legacy should reflect their decorated careers, bravery, and service to this nation. There is no question that our servicemembers deserve better than to be protecting our country in an aircraft with known mechanical issues.”

Background
On November 29, 2023, a CV-22 Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan during a training exercise, tragically resulting in the death of eight American airmen. One of the airmen, U.S. Air Force Major Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, of Andover, Minnesota, was one of Congressman Emmer’s constituents. Following the crash in 2023, Congressman Emmer gave a speech on the House floor memorializing Major Hoernemann.

You can read the letter in its entirety here.

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