Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, who serve as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, have called for the inclusion of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations package. This request comes as funding for several federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, is set to expire on January 30.
The ROTOR Act was introduced following a fatal accident on January 29, 2025, when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), resulting in 67 deaths. The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate in December 2025.
The bill mandates that all aircraft—both civil and military—must equip and receive ADS-B broadcasting signals. It also directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to evaluate airspace safety around airports nationwide to prevent risks similar to those at DCA during last year’s crash. The act aims to improve information sharing between the FAA and military authorities regarding aviation safety.
Additionally, the updated ROTOR Act removes section 373(a) from the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which previously allowed military helicopters to operate in DC airspace without broadcasting their location. The White House and Department of War support this measure.
In their letter addressed to Senate leadership and appropriations committee chairs, Cruz and Cantwell wrote: “On January 29, 2025, 67 people were tragically killed when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial airliner, American Airlines flight 5342, on approach to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The accident was preventable and should never have happened.”
They continued: “We write to request you include the bipartisan Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (S.2503) in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations package currently being negotiated. The Senate unanimously passed the ROTOR Act on December 17, 2025. The ROTOR Act also has the support of the Department of Transportation, the Pentagon, Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and the families of the 67 victims.”
The senators noted that while prompted by an incident at DCA, “the safety enhancements will apply nationwide.” They explained that requiring all aircraft to use automatic dependent broadcast surveillance (ADS-B) In technology would provide faster real-time location data than ground-based radar—a recommendation made by NTSB over twenty years ago.
“Widespread adoption of ADS-B In will enhance situational awareness in the air as well as at airports,” they stated. “Critically, the Senate-passed ROTOR Act also repeals section 373(a) of FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L.119-60), which safety advocates have warned could jeopardize aviation safety in DC-area airspace.”
Further provisions would require improved coordination between FAA and military entities on aviation safety data; evaluation of airport airspaces across America; identification of risky airspace designs; closing loopholes allowing untracked military flights; among other reforms.
“Simply put,” they concluded,“the ROTOR Act puts safety first and will save lives.”
Cruz and Cantwell emphasized that including ROTOR in this appropriations bill is their priority: “Including it in conference is best way to avoid any unnecessary delays... Floor amendments would require House passage again close to end-of-January when current appropriations are set lapse.” They urged prompt action so meaningful reforms can be enacted swiftly.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee oversees legislation related to commerce—including transportation—and conducts hearings intended to inform policy decisions nationally through its members from both parties (official website).
