The House of Representatives approved the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 on April 14, a bipartisan legislative response to the 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The passage of the ALERT Act comes in response to recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the accident, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Lawmakers say this legislation is intended to improve coordination between civilian and military aircraft operating in shared airspace, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
The bill was introduced by Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, Ranking Member Adam Smith, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, and Ranking Member Rick Larsen. It passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 396 to 10. "With the passage of the ALERT Act, Congress is making meaningful policy to improve air safety and prevent tragic accidents like the one that occurred last year between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet. The ALERT Act is built on the NTSB’s year-long investigation and analysis of the crash, and it implements each of their recommendations. In many cases, this bill exceeds NTSB’s recommendations," said HASC Chairman Rogers.
Smith said: "The devastating loss of 67 lives over the Potomac last year highlighted longstanding systemic failures in how civilian and military aircraft operate in shared airspace and was 100 percent preventable. We've continued to see similar incidents since that tragic day, further demonstrating the need for congressional action... The ALERT Act... is an important step in ensuring improved coordination." Graves stated: "This aviation safety reform bill addresses the probable cause, contributing factors, and all 50 of NTSB’s safety recommendations." Larsen added: "Today’s passage ... is the next step in delivering on Congress’ safety commitment ... I look forward to working with my Senate counterparts..."
Key provisions include requiring new technology for flight crew alerting by December 31, 2031; establishing public dashboards for transparency; updating helicopter route requirements; improving training for air traffic controllers; creating databases for close proximity encounters; strengthening oversight over flight operations; addressing FAA mismanagement; enhancing cooperation between military aircraft operations and civilian agencies; updating collision avoidance technology standards for military planes; requiring more data sharing between defense officials and federal regulators.
According to the official website, members such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, Robert J. Wittman serve on House Armed Services Committee (HASC), which oversees national defense programs under jurisdiction defined by Rule X of U.S. House Rules & Manual as part of congressional oversight responsibilities. The committee also influences legislation through processes like community project funding within acts such as National Defense Authorization. Rep. Mike Rogers has served as chair during both current sessions. The committee's role includes overseeing agencies related to national defense under U.S Code.
Lawmakers expect further work with Senate colleagues before sending final legislation for presidential approval.
