House Passes Comprehensive ALERT Act to Overhaul Aviation Safety After DCA Collision, Addressing All 50 NTSB Recommendations
The House convened for a major legislative day, primarily focused on aviation safety. The chamber passed the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 (H.R. 7613), known as the ALERT Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill responding to all 50 safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the January 29, 2025, midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The bill mandates upgrades to collision avoidance technology, revises helicopter routes, and enhances air traffic control training and procedures. Additionally, the House passed several post office naming bills and welcomed a new Member, Mr. Clay Fuller of Georgia, while acknowledging the resignations of Representatives Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell. A Special Order hour was also held to commemorate the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.
The passage of the ALERT Act represents a significant legislative response to a major aviation tragedy, aiming to implement systemic safety reforms across civil and military aviation. Its comprehensive nature, addressing all NTSB recommendations, underscores a commitment to preventing future accidents of similar magnitude. The day also saw the swearing-in of a new member and tributes to a civil rights leader, highlighting both legislative and ceremonial aspects of the House's work.
Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026
H.R. 7613Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 7613, as amended, under suspension of the rules.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill is a bipartisan and comprehensive aviation safety reform measure that directly addresses the probable cause, contributing factors, and all 50 NTSB safety recommendations following the January 29, 2025, midair collision near DCA. They highlighted that the bill requires airliners to upgrade their collision avoidance technology to ACAS Xa by 2031, integrating ADS-B In for enhanced visual and audible alerts, and mandates similar collision prevention technology for other ADS-B Out equipped aircraft. The legislation permanently closes Helicopter Route 4, identified as a root cause of the tragedy, and updates helicopter route design requirements. Furthermore, it improves data collection and sharing between the FAA and the Pentagon, enhances air traffic control training and traffic management procedures, modernizes ATC facilities and technology, and addresses deficiencies in the safety cultures at DOT and FAA. The bill also ensures that military aircraft can continue critical national security missions without revealing their location to enemies, addressing Department of War concerns. The NTSB confirmed that the bill addresses all its recommendations, and in most cases, exceeds them, by requiring safety modifications across all military services. Members emphasized that this bill is a critical step forward for the region and the country, representing a significant opportunity to make skies safer.
The case against
Some members expressed that while the bill is an important step, it is not perfect, noting concerns about ADS-B carve-outs for some general aviation aircraft and that military helicopter flights in the region might not be adequately addressed. Concerns were raised that the bill could be stronger, particularly regarding clear ADS-B In requirements on a firm, enforceable timeline without carve-outs. It was also suggested that the ROTOR Act, which had strong ADS-B requirements and passed the Senate, should also be part of the solution.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill, as amended, passed the House.
396-10
Who is affected
- Air travelers and the flying public: Increased safety through mandatory collision avoidance technology upgrades, improved air traffic control procedures, and enhanced military aviation safety protocols.
- Air traffic controllers: Enhanced training, improved risk assessment tools, and reassessment of workload and facility levels.
- Military personnel and Department of Defense operations: Improved aviation safety management systems, training for highly congested airspace, and updated altimeter and transponder maintenance, while protecting operational security for special missions.
- Residents and operators around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Permanent closure of a hazardous helicopter route and reassessment of airport operational rates to enhance safety.
- Aircraft manufacturers and avionics industry: Requirements for developing and installing new collision prevention technologies.
Passage of Comprehensive Aviation Safety Reform
highThe House passed the ALERT Act (H.R. 7613) with a vote of 396-10, a bipartisan measure designed to implement all 50 NTSB safety recommendations following the 2025 DCA midair collision. This bill mandates advanced collision avoidance systems for aircraft, revises air traffic control procedures, and addresses Department of Defense aviation safety protocols.
Permanent Closure of Helicopter Route 4
highThe ALERT Act permanently prohibits operations on Helicopter Route 4 between Hains Point and the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, identified by the NTSB as a causal factor in the DCA collision due to its proximity to a runway approach path. This segment is to remain eliminated from helicopter charts.
Mandatory Collision Prevention Technology Upgrades
highThe legislation requires airliners to upgrade to ACAS Xa (Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xa) by 2031, which integrates ADS-B In and provides enhanced visual and audible alerts. Other ADS-B Out equipped aircraft will also require ADS-B In-based collision prevention technology by the same deadline, with specific considerations for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft.
Enhanced Air Traffic Control Training and Procedures
mediumThe bill mandates new instructor-led and scenario-based training for air traffic controllers on threat and error management and visual separation procedures. It also requires the development of a safety risk assessment tool for controllers and reassesses operational rates and facility levels at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Tribute to Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.
mediumMembers of the Congressional Black Caucus held a Special Order hour to commemorate the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., highlighting his contributions to the civil rights movement, his Presidential campaigns, and his impact on political and economic justice. Speakers shared personal anecdotes and emphasized his role in expanding opportunity and equality.