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, advanced by Senators Cruz and Cantwell, aims to mandate ADS-B Out broadcasting and ADS-B In equipment for all civilian and military aircraft, closing a current loophole.
This bipartisan legislation was introduced in response to a January midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities and highlighted military aircraft not broadcasting ADS-B.
Beyond ADS-B requirements, the ROTOR Act also includes provisions to strengthen oversight of mixed air traffic near commercial airports, require quarterly compliance reports, and enhance flight safety, particularly at KDCA.

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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.