The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which aims to improve aviation safety following a fatal midair collision near Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, 2025. The legislation was approved by unanimous consent and requires both civil and military aircraft to transmit precise location information through ADS-B broadcasting signals. The bill also directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review airspace safety around airports nationwide and strengthens information sharing between the FAA and the military.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emphasized that the ROTOR Act honors those lost in last year’s accident. “This bill will be a fitting way to honor the lives of those lost nearly one year ago over the Potomac River. The goal of the victims’ families is to ensure no one else endures a similar avoidable, completely unnecessary, tragedy. The ROTOR Act will save lives,” Cruz said.
The White House has expressed support for the measure and pledged cooperation with House lawmakers to advance it into law before January 29, 2026.
The Families of Flight 5342 issued a statement: “Today, the Senate passed the bipartisan ROTOR Act unanimously, marking an important step toward improving air travel safety. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, in addition to Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran and Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth, for their leadership and commitment to making our skies safer for all. We now call upon the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this legislation and deliver it to the President’s desk to be signed into law before January 29, 2026 – the one-year anniversary of our loved ones’ passing.”
Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son Sam was First Officer on Flight 5342, also commented: “We are deeply appreciative of the bipartisan effort that led to today’s Senate passage of the ROTOR Act. We are grateful for the leadership and tireless efforts of Senators Cruz and Cantwell to achieve this important milestone. We thank President Trump for his support of aviation safety and for recognizing the urgency of this moment. With this important action, Senators across the aisle honored the 67 lives lost on January 29, including our son Sam. While no legislation can bring Sam back, today’s action acknowledges the magnitude of that loss and affirms that meaningful change can come from it. We urge the House to act promptly and ensure these safety measures advance without delay. The flying public and all who rely on our national airspace deserve nothing less.”
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter near DCA resulting in 67 fatalities. Investigations revealed existing gaps in aviation safety protocols.
Senator Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act alongside several colleagues in July; later reaching a bipartisan agreement with Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) that enabled its unanimous passage out of committee.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee reviews legislation related to commerce—including transportation issues like aviation safety—during congressional sessions as part of its role within Congress’ legislative branch (source). Chaired by Senator Cruz at present—with senators from both parties—the committee is based in Washington D.C.’s Russell Senate Office Building (source).
