WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the recent crash of an F-35 jet near Joint Base Charleston.

“Ejections and crashes are an unfortunate reality due to the inherent risks that pilots face in combat and in training. Given the gravity of those risks, I am very glad to hear that the pilot is safe—he and his family are in my thoughts. I am also looking forward to receiving more information about what led to the incident and the efforts to find the aircraft. As more information becomes available, my colleagues in the House Armed Services Committee and I will be considering whether congressional action is needed to address this and other recent aviation mishaps and ensure such incidents are avoided in the future.”

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