Aviation groups and families affected by the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash have expressed support for the Senate’s unanimous passage of the ROTOR Act, an aviation safety bill sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). The legislation aims to enhance safety protocols for military aircraft, including requirements to transmit precise location information in order to prevent future collisions. The bill has bipartisan backing and is supported by both the White House and the Department of War.
The ROTOR Act was introduced following the January 29, 2025, collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which resulted in 67 fatalities. Following this incident, several gaps in airspace safety were identified.
Family members of those lost in the crash urged swift action from the House of Representatives. “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 First Officer Sam Lilley who died in the crash, stated: “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.”
American Airlines also voiced support: “We continue to mourn the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 5342. We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Cruz and Cantwell, and other Senators and Secretary Duffy to get the ROTOR Act passed in the Senate. American Airlines urges the House to act expeditiously to make aviation and our national airspace even safer.”
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy commented: “I’m grateful to Senator Cruz, Senator Cantwell, Senator Moran, and other Senate leaders for passing the ROTOR Act, which will increase communication protocol between aircraft. Since the horrific tragedy in January, FAA & USDOT have taken a number of steps —including eliminating helicopter and fixed-wing mixed traffic near DCA?—to make skies above our nation’s capital safer. This important legislation is built on that progress and we look forward to working with Congress to make our airspace envy of world.”
National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jennifer Homendy said: “With today's passage of ROTOR Act in Senate we are one step closer toward implementation of longstanding recommendations. Thank you all who led way toward passage—in particular Senator Ted Cruz Senator Jerry Moran Senator Cantwell & Senator Duckworth—because your leadership we will save lives!”
Mayor Muriel Bowser added: “The ROTOR Act marks a critical step toward making Washington DC’s airspace safer & more transparent…I want thank Senators Cruz Cantwell Moran & Duckworth…this bill lays strong foundation preventing future tragedies…I urge House act swiftly pass ROTOR Act.”
Other organizations echoed similar sentiments:
- Air Line Pilots Association commended bipartisan leadership.
- America’s Transportation Union welcomed preservation & advancement safety provisions.
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association highlighted enhancements for commercial general aviation military aircraft as well as crews passengers citizens ground.
- Association Professional Flight Attendants noted importance implementing NTSB recommendations after devastating midair collision at DCA.
- Airlines America applauded codification preservation MOU between DOD DOT regarding protection DCA airspace.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, directed by a chairman with senators from both parties as detailed on its official website, plays a central role reviewing transportation-related legislation such as this one during congressional sessions (source). It operates within Congress focusing on interstate commerce issues—including science & transportation—and is headquartered at Russell Senate Office Building in Washington DC (source).
Senator Cruz introduced ROTOR Act along with several colleagues six months after incident; it advanced unanimously through committee after reaching compromise with Ranking Member Cantwell.
