The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the ROTOR Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at improving aviation safety following the fatal collision near Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, 2025. The crash involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter, resulting in the loss of 67 lives.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, led efforts to pass the bill. He stated, “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.”
The ROTOR Act mandates that all civil and military aircraft must equip and receive ADS-B broadcasting signals to improve location tracking and prevent future collisions. It also requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review airspace safety around airports nationwide and enhances information sharing between the FAA and military authorities. Additionally, it removes section 373(a) from the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would have expanded an exemption allowing military helicopters to operate in DC airspace without broadcasting their location.
The families of Flight 5342 responded positively to news of the bill’s passage: “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, parents of Flight 5342’s First Officer Sam Lilley who died in the crash, said,“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.”
Senator Cruz announced that with White House support secured for this measure, there is now an expectation that work will continue with House members so that it becomes law.
In July 2025 Senator Cruz introduced this legislation along with several other senators after reports identified ongoing gaps in aviation safety following last year’s accident.
Senator Ted Cruz has previously won multiple general elections for his seat in Texas—including victories against Colin Allred in 2024 (53.1%–44.6%), Beto O'Rourke in 2018 (50.9%–48.3%), and Paul Sadler in 2012 (56.5%–40.6%).
