Senate Committee Set to Vote on ROTOR Act

Bill requires civilian and military aircraft to use ADS-B navigation technology.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 04:49 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter [Courtesy: U.S. Army]

Key Takeaways:

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, mandating ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) on all military and civilian aircraft, is advancing in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.
The proposed legislation aims to close a loophole allowing some military aircraft to fly without ADS-B broadcasting and includes provisions for enhanced air traffic oversight, particularly near commercial airports and specifically at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).
Introduced following a January midair collision near KDCA between a commercial jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter (which wasn't broadcasting ADS-B), the bill seeks to prevent future tragedies and improve flight safety.

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A measure that would close the loophole allowing some military aircraft to fly without using ADS-B navigation technology is one step closer to advancing out of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.

Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) announced a deal Thursday that allows the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to proceed out of committee in a vote next Tuesday. The proposed legislation requires all civilian and military aircraft to operate with ADS-B Out broadcasting, and to be equipped with ADS-B In.