A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 in response to the 2025 midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter, leading to significant attention on aviation safety.
The ALERT Act, formally known as H.R. 7613, was introduced on February 20 by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA). The legislation is designed to address all 50 safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following its investigation into the accident. The NTSB issued its final report on February 17, 2026.
Multiple organizations within the aviation industry have voiced their support for the bill. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association stated: “AMFA applauds the bipartisan leadership in the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Armed Services Committee for advancing the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026. This legislation strengthens safety, improves transparency, and reinforces the shared commitment to protecting the flying public and the professionals who maintain our nation’s aircraft. We appreciate the collaborative effort that brought this bill forward and look forward to continuing our work together to support policies that enhance aviation safety and operational integrity.”
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association commented: “The aviation industry has been unified in the aftermath of the tragic accident at DCA last year in making every effort with our government partners to bring forward solutions to improve aviation safety. The ALERT Act addresses the NTSB's recommendations from its recently released report. AOPA commends Committee leaders and remains committed to the goals of making the system safer for all users. That includes ensuring a pilot’s privacy remains protected and collision avoidance technology, ADS-B, is used for its intended safety purpose and not for economic gain. We look forward to the ALERT Act's consideration and working with all Members to promote policies that solidify the US aviation system as the global gold standard.”
Airlines for America also expressed appreciation: “A4A appreciates the strong leadership shown by Representatives Graves, Larsen, Rogers and Smith in crafting a comprehensive response to the NTSB’s recommendations from its final report on the DCA tragedy. The ALERT Act takes a holistic approach in making safety improvements across our aviation system and recognizes the need to act with urgency as the use of airspace continues to grow and becomes more complex. A4A will continue to work with all stakeholders toward our shared responsibility of keeping aviation the safest mode of transportation in the world.”
Allegiant Travel Company noted that "the ALERT Act addresses all 50 NTSB recommendations following" last year's midair collision at DCA, focusing on systemic issues such as air traffic control training, data sharing between agencies including military coordination, and updated helicopter routing.
The Allied Pilots Association said: “On behalf of the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, ... [this] represents a critical step forward in ensuring our National Airspace System remains ... safest ... By ensuring that input from all pilot labor groups is integrated into ... final language, ... those on front lines ... are best positioned ..."
Other groups such as Association of Value Airlines emphasized flexibility in deploying collision avoidance technologies; Cargo Airline Association highlighted collaboration based on operational expertise; Experimental Aircraft Association pointed out targeted approaches leveraging technology; while National Air Carrier Association supported an outcomes-based framework rather than rigid technology mandates.
Additional endorsements came from organizations like NetJets—who praised incorporation of advanced collision avoidance systems—and Regional Airline Association—which emphasized performance-based frameworks enabling rapid deployment of flexible solutions.
Reliable Robotics called attention specifically to how closely this bill aligns with NTSB findings from last year's fatal incident at DCA.
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association described it as “a meaningful ... bipartisan commitment,” especially regarding busy airports’ unique challenges.
Vertical Aviation International added: "By responding to every recommendation," it provides "a thorough ... framework" for broad improvements across national airspace.
If enacted into law, H.R. 7613 would require updates throughout various aspects of U.S. civil-military air operations—ranging from cockpit alerting systems enhancements through better interagency coordination—to meet evolving complexities faced by today’s aviation sector.
