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Cruz Calls for Classified Briefing After Texas Airspace Closure
Senate Commerce Chair says details of incident remain unclear
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz said he will schedule a classified briefing about the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary closure of the airspace above El Paso, Texas earlier in the day. Cruz said the details of what occurred are still unclear, despite a statement from the Department of Transportation blaming the incident on a 'cartel drone incursion'. Cruz and other senators expressed concern over the apparent lack of communication between the FAA and Department of Defense.
Why it matters
The temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso raised concerns about national security and the coordination between federal agencies. As the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Cruz has oversight over the FAA and will likely push for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The details
The airspace closure sparked a confusing, hourslong saga earlier on Wednesday. The Department of Transportation initially blamed the incident on a 'cartel drone incursion', but POLITICO reported the closure was actually sparked by a standoff between the FAA and Defense Department over the military's testing of anti-drone technology at a nearby Army base. Cruz said he has 'no reason to doubt' the DOT's explanation, but wants a classified briefing to get more details on what exactly occurred.
- The airspace closure occurred earlier on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
The players
Ted Cruz
A Republican senator from Texas and the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has oversight over the FAA.
Bryan Bedford
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sean Duffy
The Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
Ben Ray Luján
A Democratic senator from New Mexico who expressed concern over the apparent lack of communication between the FAA and Department of Defense.
What they’re saying
“I have no reason to doubt what the secretary said, but I think a number of us would like to see a classified briefing very soon.”
— Ted Cruz, Senate Commerce Committee Chair
“There needs to be a briefing in the SCIF if they're not willing to talk to us in here and explain to the American people what's going on. Why one federal agency can't talk to another federal agency to explain whether it's a training mission or it's an incursion, or whatever the hell is going on. I look forward to getting in the SCIF.”
— Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Senator
What’s next
The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Chair Ted Cruz, will schedule a classified briefing to get more details on the temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso and the apparent lack of communication between the FAA and Department of Defense.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between federal agencies, especially on matters of national security. The Senate Commerce Committee's investigation will likely focus on improving information-sharing protocols to prevent similar confusion and disruptions in the future.
