In a significant legislative setback, the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to reject the ROTOR Act, a bipartisan aviation safety bill that had previously received unanimous approval from the Senate.The final tally was 264 votes in favor and 133 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed under special fast-track rules for non-controversial bills.
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theweek.comThe ROTOR Act was introduced in response to a tragic midair collision in January 2025, which claimed the lives of 67 individuals when an American Airlines flight collided with a US Army helicopter near Washington, DC The legislation aimed to mandate the installation of advanced location tracking technology known as ADS-B In on most aircraft, a measure that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated could have prevented the collision.
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theweek.comkansasreflector.comThe bill garnered strong support from the families of the victims, labor groups, and even officials from the NTSB, including its chair, Jennifer Homendy.
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theweek.comHowever, the legislation encountered strong opposition in the House, particularly from several influential Republican committee leaders.
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theweek.comTransportation Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) was a vocal opponent of the ROTOR Act, arguing that his own ALERT Act effectively addressed the safety recommendations put forth by the NTSB following the collision.
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theweek.comGraves emphasized his belief that the ALERT Act would sufficiently enhance aviation safety without mandating the use of ADS-B In, a point contested by advocates of the ROTOR Act.
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kansasreflector.comThe failure of the ROTOR Act has left victims' families devastated, with calls for House leadership to reconsider and bring the bill back for a vote that might allow a majority to pass it.
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theweek.comHowever, given that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his leadership team opposed the bill, it seems unlikely that the ROTOR Act will be revived anytime soon.
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theweek.comSenator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), one of the primary sponsors of the ROTOR Act, characterized the House's decision as a "temporary delay" and expressed optimism that the bill would eventually become law.
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theweek.comCruz's sentiments were echoed by US Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.), who lamented the failure to pass this critical legislation to ensure safer skies.
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kansasreflector.comThe House vote reflected a stark partisan divide, with nearly all opposition coming from Republican lawmakers.Only five members of the Kansas congressional delegation voted in favor of the ROTOR Act, with the holdout being Rep.Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), who did not provide a comment regarding his decision.
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kansasreflector.comDemocratic lawmakers expressed their disappointment over the failure to pass the ROTOR Act, emphasizing its importance as a first step toward meaningful reforms in aviation safety.Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) highlighted the pressing need for action to prevent future tragedies, underscoring the bill's role in honoring the memory of the lives lost in the collision.
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kansasreflector.comThe defeat of the ROTOR Act raises questions about the future of aviation safety legislation in Congress.With ongoing concerns about air traffic safety and the need for updated technology in the aviation industry, advocates will likely continue to push for reforms that address these critical issues.
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theweek.comkansasreflector.comAs legislative discussions move forward, the fate of the ROTOR Act serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of political interests that can impact the safety of air travel in the United States.The call for more stringent safety measures is likely to persist, fueled by the tragic memory of those who lost their lives in the January 2025 collision.
