House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith praised the committee’s approval of H.R. 7613, the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, according to a Mar. 26 statement. The legislation aims to address air safety following last year’s fatal midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The issue is significant because the incident resulted in the loss of 67 lives and exposed weaknesses in how civilian and military aircraft share airspace. The ALERT Act seeks to implement all recommendations from a year-long National Transportation Safety Board investigation, with a focus on improving coordination between agencies.
“We owe it to the victims of last year’s tragedy and to their families to take action to ensure that this never happens again,” Rogers said. “The ALERT Act takes a comprehensive approach by fully implementing all of the NTSB recommendations, strengthening coordination in our nation’s airspace, and addressing critical national security concerns. I’m proud of the Armed Services Committee’s work and our partnership with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to deliver real solutions. I look forward to this legislation advancing with the support of my colleagues so we can get it across the finish line and make our skies safer for everyone.”
Smith said, “The loss of 67 lives over the Potomac last year was a devastating tragedy made all the worse because it was 100 percent preventable. The collision highlighted longstanding systemic failures in how civilian and military aircraft operate in shared airspace, and we have seen multiple incidents since that fateful day that further demonstrate a continued lack of coordination between the FAA and Department of Defense. The ALERT Act is a meaningful step forward in addressing those fundamental flaws. I’m proud of the work of this committee in taking this important step to honor the lives lost that day. I am also thankful for the efforts of their loved ones, who have valiantly channeled their grief into action to ensure this never happens again.”
Title II provisions require rapid adoption or integration of collision prevention technology (ADS-B In) for Department of Defense aircraft—excluding fighters, bombers, or unmanned vehicles—within one year or by December 2031 respectively; establish ADS-B Out as standard practice for DOD rotary wing aircraft; create new aviation safety management systems; launch flight data monitoring programs; and update training based on real-world data.
According to the official website, notable members serving on House Armed Services Committee include Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman.
The House Armed Services Committee oversees national defense programs under U.S Code jurisdiction as outlined by Rule X in House Rules & Manual according to its official website. It also plays an influential role through processes such as authorizing community project funding via acts like National Defense Authorization Act as reported by its official site. The committee operates under congressional oversight related specifically to military affairs according to its official website.
Rogers served as chair during both current (119th) Congresses according to its official website.
