U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has introduced the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, a legislative effort aimed at improving aviation safety following the January 29 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that resulted in 67 fatalities.
The ROTOR Act proposes that nearly all aircraft and helicopters operating in controlled airspace be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. ADS-B allows for more precise location tracking compared to traditional radar, enhancing communication between pilots, air traffic control, and ground vehicles. The bill would require both ADS-B In and ADS-B Out systems on all aircraft, including military flights, closing an existing loophole that exempts the Department of Defense from using certain surveillance technology during domestic operations.
Additional provisions in the legislation include increased oversight of helicopter routes near commercial airports, mandatory quarterly reports on compliance with ADS-B Out requirements, and a study of possible improvements to the airspace around DCA.
Senator Cruz stated: “Today is an auspicious day for aviation safety—a day marked by a revived spirit of hope and a shared determination to act in the face of an unforgettable tragedy. American skies must be as safe as possible, and our duty as lawmakers is to ensure that they are.The ROTOR Act represents a common-sense step forward in aviation safety reform. One of the most important parts of this bill is the requirement that all aircraft, military and civilian, use both ADS-B Out and ADS-B In. We will not wait for another accident to happen before we finally protect American skies.We have made it abundantly clear that when American lives are at risk, excuses are not acceptable.”
The legislation has bipartisan support from Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
Following the January incident involving an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter, Senator Cruz has called for accountability regarding coordination issues between Army operations and airport air traffic control. Afterward, Senators Cruz and Moran organized a briefing with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Army for members of the Commerce Committee.
After reviewing NTSB’s preliminary findings on the crash, Senators Cruz and Moran requested further information from Brigadier General Matthew Braman about the incident. Subsequent hearings included testimony from FAA, Army, and NTSB representatives. During these hearings and through written requests, Senators Cruz and Cantwell pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for access to an internal Army memo concerning surveillance operations; their efforts were met with repeated refusals by Army officials.
In June, additional letters were sent by Senators Cruz, Cantwell, Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and others requesting audits from both Department of Transportation’s Inspector General and Department of the Army’s Inspector General in response to ongoing concerns after the crash.
