U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Tammy Duckworth, Amy Klobuchar, Raphael Warnock, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Ed Markey have introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025. This legislative effort aims to enhance aviation safety following a tragic mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, 2025. The accident involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, resulting in the loss of 67 lives.
The proposed bill seeks to address various safety issues revealed by the crash. These include the absence of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology on military aircraft and unsafe route designs for mixed air traffic near DCA. The legislation also targets broader issues such as air traffic controller shortages and inadequate FAA internal safety management systems.
Senator Cantwell stated, "It's time for Congress to get off the bench and solve the problems the NTSB identified because the families deserve action." She emphasized that over 15,000 near-misses should have been a warning sign for necessary reforms in aviation safety oversight.
Senator Klobuchar highlighted that "Americans deserve to travel with confidence," referencing both the D.C. collision and a near-miss incident involving a Minneapolis-bound flight as indicators of needed improvements in aviation safety systems.
Senator Warner added that ensuring air travel safety is critical and urgent due to recent tragedies and incidents across Virginia and other states.
In addition to addressing specific failures related to the DCA crash, the legislation includes measures such as mandating ADS-B In technology for all airlines within four years and requiring comprehensive FAA/DoD safety reviews at busy airports. It also proposes creating an independent expert panel to review FAA's Safety Management System effectiveness.
Tim and Sheri Lilley, parents of First Officer Sam Lilley who perished in the crash, expressed appreciation for Senator Cantwell's leadership in championing aviation safety reform through this legislation. They urged swift Senate passage of this critical bill.
Captain James Ambrosi from ALPA supported the bill's requirements for ADS-B technology use by operators to prevent further tragedies like those at DCA.
The bill also outlines efforts to grow FAA staffing by expanding training programs for air traffic controllers and protecting workforce levels from cuts or hiring freezes. Additionally, it calls for better coordination between FAA and DoD operations through new oversight offices and councils focused on ADS-B use exemptions.
This legislative initiative follows previous actions led by Senator Cantwell regarding aviation safety enhancements under her role on various committees within Congress.
