Ken Calvert | Official U.S. House headshot
Ken Calvert | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Military Equipment Quality and Safety Reform Act (MEZr Act), H.R. 4214, legislation that will improve the safety of U.S. service members by establishing and implementing a new system for analyzing and addressing nonconformity issues found in all major accidents and mishaps throughout the military. The legislation is inspired by the death of Rep. Calvert’s constituent and F-16 pilot First Lt. David Schmitz (callsign “MEZr”) whose ejection seat malfunctioned while attempting a nighttime landing that ultimately resulted in a fatal crash.
“The MEZr Act will better protect the lives of our most precious national security resource – the men and women who serve in our military,” said Rep. Calvert. “One avoidable death in our military should be one too many. The tragic loss of Lt. Schmitz is a call for action. Our service members deserve a complete and thorough analysis after every serious accident to see what we could have done differently and how we avoid the same fate again in the future.”
The MEZr Act requires the Secretary of Defense to establish and implement a comprehensive system for analyzing and addressing nonconformities in the aftermath of all Class A Mishaps. The legislation also ensures accountability and transparency by requiring public disclosure of all information related to these accidents. Finally, the bill authorizes the Secretary to establish penalties, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of contracts, for noncompliance with the requirements of the system.
Original source can be found here.
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