The House of Representatives approved the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 (H.R. 7613) on Apr. 14, a bipartisan legislative response to the 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The legislation was introduced following the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the accident, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. The ALERT Act aims to address all fifty recommendations from the NTSB and seeks to improve coordination between civilian and military aircraft operating in shared airspace.
Chairman Mike Rogers said, “With the passage of the ALERT Act, Congress is making meaningful policy to improve air safety and prevent tragic accidents like the one that occurred last year between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet. The ALERT Act is built on the NTSB’s year-long investigation and analysis of the crash, and it implements each of their recommendations. In many cases, this bill exceeds NTSB’s recommendations.” He also thanked committee members for their efforts in drafting this legislation.
Ranking Member Adam Smith said, “The devastating loss of 67 lives over the Potomac last year highlighted longstanding systemic failures in how civilian and military aircraft operate in shared airspace and was 100 percent preventable. We’ve continued to see similar incidents since that tragic day, further demonstrating the need for congressional action to improve coordination between FAA and Department of Defense.”
Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves described it as a comprehensive response: “The ALERT Act is the bipartisan and comprehensive response to the full scope of this accident. This aviation safety reform bill addresses probable cause, contributing factors, and all fifty NTSB safety recommendations.”
Key provisions include improved technology for flight crew alerting systems; mandatory installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast In with collision prevention technology by December 31, 2031; updated requirements for helicopter routes; enhanced training for air traffic controllers; better data sharing between military operations and federal agencies; strengthened oversight in congested airspace; new standards for defining close proximity encounters; updates on FAA management practices; stronger collaboration with defense authorities; public dashboards for transparency during rulemaking processes; as well as increased sharing of flight data.
According to the official website, notable members involved include Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, Robert J. Wittman—alongside Rogers as chair—and that these activities fall under congressional oversight defined by Rule X regarding national defense matters.
As reported by the official website, HASC oversees programs related to national defense including community project funding through legislative measures such as this act.
“My deepest condolences remain with families of those lost,” said Ranking Member Rick Larsen. “Today’s passage…is next step in delivering on Congress’ safety commitment…I look forward to working with my Senate counterparts.”
Looking ahead, lawmakers expect further deliberation with Senate counterparts before finalizing legislation intended not only as a direct response but also setting new standards across U.S. aviation systems.