Senate Passes ROTOR Act Requiring Advanced Collision-Avoidance Tracking on Nearly All U.S. Aircraft by 2031
The House must act next: House consideration.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small business owners who operate aircraft — such as charter flight companies, crop dusters, flight schools, and air tour operators — will need to equip their planes with ADS-B In technology by the end of 2031. This creates a new equipment cost, though the law directs the FAA to identify low-cost alternatives like portable receivers for smaller aircraft under 12,500 pounds. Operators can also request up to one extra year to comply if needed.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2277)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Despite unanimous Senate approval, the ROTOR Act failed in the House after the Department of Defense raised concerns about operational security. The bill sought to improve flight-tracking transparency for government officials and mandate advanced collision-avoidance tech by 2031.
The ROTOR Act failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed for fast-track approval in the House. Opponents argued the bill was too prescriptive and only addressed a fraction of NTSB recommendations, preferring a broader alternative known as the ALERT Act.
Following the narrow defeat of the ROTOR Act, families of crash victims are urging House leadership to reconsider. The bill would have forced military aircraft to broadcast their positions during routine flights and required new cockpit displays to help pilots see nearby traffic.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
ROTOR Act
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