House Fails To Pass Bipartisan ROTOR Aviation Bill
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Washington, the House of Representatives failed this week to advance the bipartisan ROTOR Act, a measure aimed at expanding ADS‑B In collision-avoidance requirements after the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision that killed 67 people near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Senate unanimously approved the bill in December, and supporters including victims' families, pilot unions, and the NTSB urged passage. The Pentagon withdrew support citing budgetary and operational security concerns the day before the House vote, which fell 264-133 and did not meet the two-thirds threshold under expedited rules in Washington, D.C. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Jan. 29, 2025 — A US Army helicopter and a PSA regional jet collided near Reagan National Airport, killing 67.
- July 2025 — Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act to expand ADS-B In requirements and close DoD exemptions.
- Dec. 2025 — The Senate approved the ROTOR Act unanimously.
- One day before the House vote — The Pentagon withdrew its prior support, citing budgetary and operational security concerns.
- This week — The House vote under expedited rules fell 264-133, short of the two-thirds threshold.
Why This Matters to You
The ROTOR Act could have made flying safer. It aimed to prevent midair collisions like the one in 2025. The Pentagon's budget and security concerns stopped it. This could affect your safety when you fly.
The Bottom Line
The House didn't pass the ROTOR Act. It's a setback for aviation safety. Keep an eye on how the government addresses this issue. Worth forwarding if you know someone who flies often.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 2
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 3
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 50%, Right 33%
Aviation-safety advocates, ADS-B technology manufacturers, commercial pilots, the NTSB, and victims' families gained renewed public attention and policymaking momentum after the Senate's unanimous approval of the ROTOR Act, even though House enactment stalled.
Families of the 67 victims, passengers, aircrews, and public-safety proponents suffered ongoing regulatory uncertainty and frustration after the House failed to secure the two-thirds hold for the ROTOR Act, leaving some military aircraft exempt from mandated ADS-B In requirements.
Coverage of Story:
From Right
Sen. Cruz Vows to Keep Fighting for Aviation Safety
U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation FOX 5 DC
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