Senate Commerce Committee advances Rotor Act to require ADS‑B In equipment and safety reviews after Reagan National collision

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation reported the Rotor Act favorably as part of a package of bills, endorsing measures to tighten aviation safety after the fatal January collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The substitute language adopted by the committee would require aircraft operating in congested airspace to equip with ADS‑B In, which allows aircraft to receive position signals from other aircraft, and directs the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct more in‑depth safety reviews at airports with nearby helicopter traffic. The legislation also requires an Army inspector general review for systemic failures that may have contributed to the January crash at Reagan National.

"As national transportation safety board chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said, this legislation will save lives," Chairman Cruz said during opening remarks acknowledging the families of victims who attended the markup. Several family members, including Sherry Lilly and members of the Zhu family, were recognized by senators during the hearing.

Senator Moran, who helped negotiate amendments, said the bill closes a loophole that previously allowed some military aircraft to operate without communicating position quickly and urged broader adoption of safety technologies such as ASAS and ACAS‑X. "This bill encourages greater adoption of integration of ADS‑B in technologies," Moran said, and thanked the NTSB for its investigative work.

Senator Kim said she had planned but withdrew an amendment to address air traffic controller staffing and modernization; she urged the committee to pursue a separate bipartisan air traffic control package to address hiring, instructor shortages and other workforce challenges.

The committee included multiple, negotiated amendments in the substitute language and ordered the Rotor Act reported favorably to the Senate as part of a larger motion that advanced several bills. Participants said the legislation responds to NTSB recommendations and aims to improve coordination between the FAA and Pentagon while enabling technology that provides pilots with better situational awareness.

Committee leaders said the legislation is intended to move quickly through the Senate and on to the House; they expressed hope it would be signed into law. The committee adjourned after reporting multiple bills and nominations.