Air Safety Bill Fails to Pass House
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, rejected a Senate-passed bill aimed at enhancing air safety by requiring advanced locator systems on aircraft. The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, which had passed the Senate unanimously, failed to garner the necessary two-thirds majority for passage under fast-track rules, receiving 264 votes in favor and 133 against. The bill fell just one vote short of the 265 votes needed.
The legislation was a direct response to a tragic midair collision that occurred in January 2025 near Washington D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 67 people.
Collision Prompts Call for Enhanced Safety
The fatal incident on January 29, 2025, involved American Airlines Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jet, and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. The collision occurred over the Potomac River, approximately 0.5 miles southeast of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). All 60 passengers and 4 crew members aboard the jet, and all 3 crew members on the helicopter, perished.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has recommended Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems since 2008, stated that the collision could have been prevented had both aircraft been equipped with and utilizing ADS-B In technology. The NTSB's investigation found that the probable cause of the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) placement of a helicopter route in close proximity to a runway approach path, its failure to regularly review these routes, and an overreliance on visual separation.
Divisions Over Implementation and Scope
The ROTOR Act, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), aimed to mandate the use of ADS-B In and Out systems for all aircraft operating near busy airports, including limiting exemptions for military helicopters. However, the bill faced significant opposition in the House. The Pentagon withdrew its support, citing 'unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks.' Key House figures, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), also opposed the measure.
Critics argued that the ROTOR Act did not fully address the systemic issues identified in the NTSB's 33 to 50 recommendations. A competing House bill, which would require the FAA to investigate appropriate technology rather than immediately mandating ADS-B In, is reportedly in development.
Victim Families Express Disappointment
Families of the victims, many of whom were present in the House gallery during the vote, expressed profound disappointment. Tim Lilley, father of Sam Lilley, the first officer on the airliner, stated, 'We're going to end up back here having the same conversation because of another midair (collision) is what's going to happen.' NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy also voiced her frustration, asking, 'How many more people need to die for us to decide that action needs to be taken?'
Despite the setback, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Chairman Sam Graves have pledged to continue working on aviation safety legislation, with a House bill potentially being marked up in committee as early as next week.
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