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House advances broad aviation-safety package after extended debate on Alert Act
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Summary
The House moved forward with HR 7613, the “ALERT Act,” a comprehensive aviation-safety bill responding to the January DCA midair collision; supporters said it implements all NTSB recommendations while some members urged tighter ADS‑B requirements. The bill was advanced under suspension of the rules.
The House considered HR 7613, the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act, a bipartisan package lawmakers described as a comprehensive response to the January midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people.
“Madam speaker, I urge support for the ALERT Act,” said Representative Sam Graves, the Transportation Committee chair, calling the bill a practical and bipartisan step to improve aviation safety. Committee leaders and members said the measure implements National Transportation Safety Board recommendations on collision-avoidance equipment, helicopter-route design, air-traffic procedures and agency safety culture.
Supporters said the bill requires more advanced collision‑prevention technologies and a deadline for aircraft equipage, and aims to modernize air-traffic control training and facilities. Representative Rick Larson, the ranking member of the House Transportation panel, told colleagues the legislation addresses the NTSB’s findings and incorporates family and stakeholder input.
Some members urged stronger, more immediate ADS‑B in requirements and warned about carve-outs. Representative Suzanne Hoyle (Oregon) said the bill should require ADS‑B in on a firm, enforceable timeline without carve-outs; Representative Don Beyer (VA) and others also pressed for tighter requirements and fewer exemptions.
Leaders said the bill balances aviation safety with military operational needs by including targeted provisions to protect classified flights while improving transparency and procedures for military helicopter operations in congested airspace.
Under the suspension calendar the House advanced the measure; proceedings were later set for an ordered recorded vote as part of scheduled electronic voting. The House postponed final disposition to continue with the day’s sequence of votes and business.
