WATCH: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Presses Defense Officials for Answers and Accountability After El Paso Airport Closure
In early February, the FAA abruptly closed the El Paso Airport due to communication failures with DoD, causing chaos and confusion across the region
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 17, 2026, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) pressed Department of Defense (DoD) officials for answers and accountability following the Administration’s abrupt closure of the El Paso Airport and surrounding airspace on February 11. The closure was caused by communication failures between the DoD and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to the use of U.S. military-owned laser technology.
During the hearing, Rep. Vasquez pressed Assistant Secretary Joseph Humire for answers as to where the communications failure occurred and what steps the DoD is taking to prevent similar chaotic, dangerous situations from occurring in the future. He also asked about the risks counter-drone laser systems being used by the DoD pose to civilians.
WATCH THE HEARING CLIP HERE
During the hearing, Rep. Vasquez also secured a commitment from the Department of Defense officials for a classified briefing on what led to the sudden closure of the El Paso airport and subsequent coordination issues to help protect New Mexicans from similar situations in the future.
On February 11, 2025, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso Airport citing “special security concerns.” The restrictions were lifted by the FAA within hours of being issued after Congressional inquiry. All flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, were initially grounded, causing chaos and confusion in the region as the FAA provided no advance notice to Congress, local leadership, or airport officials.
A partial transcript of the exchange is also available below:
Vasquez: “I think that's the important thing — where the coordination has to be in place with the respective agencies, with DHS and FAA. That if there is no imminent threat, especially to commercial airliners, that needs to happen before we shut down international airspace. It's been about a month since Representative Escobar and I sent a letter requesting a specific briefing on this issue and what led to the sudden closure of the El Paso airport. We have not received any response. Is this something you can commit to? A briefing for myself and Congresswoman Escobar?”
Assistant Secretary Humire: “Uh, Congressman, happy to take that back and get back with your office within an appropriate time.”
Vasquez: “Is that a yes?”
Assistant Secretary Humire: “Yes.”
###