House Democrats Seek Classified Briefing on El Paso Air Closure

Three prominent Democratic congressmen sent a letter Wednesday to the heads of the Pentagon, Transportation Department and Department of Homeland Security seeking a classified briefing on last week’s temporary closure of the airspace around El Paso, Texas.

Representatives Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson and Adam Smith — the top Democrats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Armed Services Committees, respectively — said there are “conflicting reports” about what caused the shutdown and the agencies so far haven’t been transparent with Congress.

• “Despite repeated requests, our Committees have received little or no substantive information on your Departments’ actions ...