In a swift legislative response to a devastating aviation disaster, the United States Senate has passed a bill designed to close a dangerous loophole that allowed military aircraft to fly without broadcasting their positions.
A Tragedy That Sparked Action
The bipartisan push, known as the ROTOR Act, was directly inspired by the catastrophic mid-air collision over Washington, D.C. last January. An Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was not transmitting its location, crashed into an airliner approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz, a key supporter of the bill alongside Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, stated unequivocally that "tragedy could have been avoided" if the helicopter's Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system had been active. The military had reportedly switched the locator off during a training mission due to security concerns about revealing the aircraft's precise location.
Closing the Loophole with ADS-B Mandate
The newly approved legislation will mandate that all aircraft, including military flights, utilise ADS-B technology to continuously broadcast their location. This move aims to force the military to adhere to the same operational rules as commercial airliners, particularly in congested airspace like that surrounding the US capital.
The Senate acted with notable speed, passing the bill on Wednesday 17 December 2025, just hours after approving a separate, massive defence bill that contained the concerning provisions permitting non-broadcasting flights. Republican leaders opted for a standalone bill to avoid delaying the defence legislation, which would have required sending it back to the House of Representatives.
Long-Recommended Safety Measures Finally Enacted
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advocated for mandatory locator systems for decades. Its recommendations gained urgent traction after the board identified 85 near misses in the three years preceding the fatal crash. Resistance historically stemmed from cost concerns for private aircraft owners, though commercial jets are already equipped.
In the wake of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took interim steps. In March, it ordered all military helicopters to keep their locator systems permanently on in the busy capital airspace. The FAA also implemented procedures to separate helicopter and plane traffic near Reagan Airport.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford pledged to maintain these safety protocols regardless of the new bill's fate. The proposed legislation also mandates a nationwide review of airport safety to prevent similar hazards and requires improved data sharing between the FAA and the military.
While the final crash investigation report is not due until next year, Senator Cruz expressed optimism. He confirmed White House support for the Senate version and hopes the bill could reach the President's desk for signature as soon as next month, pending House approval.
