About S2503

ROTOR Act

Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works

Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (R-TX)

Latest Action (2026-02-24): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 – 133 (Roll no. 72).

Summary

Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act or the ROTOR ActThis bill addresses aviation safety by increasing requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight.As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control.Under the bill, aircraft must generally operate with ADS-B In equipment to provide the aircraft with location information of other aircraft and traffic advisories. Current law does not require this equipment.Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations allow aircraft performing a sensitive government mission to be excepted from requirements for using ADS-B Out equipment. This bill limits which flights may be considered sensitive government missions (e.g., not training flights) and requires additional reporting and notifications for the exception.The Government Accountability Office must review the use of the ADS-B Out exception and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Transportation must annually audit FAA oversight of operations that use the exception.Further, the bill repeals a 2025 law that exempts certain military helicopters from the ADS-B Out requirements for the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.The bill also requiresthe OIG of the Army to audit the Ar

Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures, Advisory bodies, Aviation and airports, Computers and information technology, Congressional oversight, Department of Transportation, Employment and training programs, Federal officials

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