Bipartisan senators file NDAA fix to restore ADS‑B rules after DC crash; Thune backs separate aviation bill
Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz filed bipartisan amendments to strip language in the National Defense Authorization Act that weakens helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace it with their earlier aviation safety bill after the deadly D.C. crash, drawing sharp criticism from NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and major transportation unions who say the NDAA language is a significant safety setback. The NDAA has been brought to the Senate floor with amendment votes scheduled (the House has already advanced the bill), and Senate Majority Leader John Thune said leaders could instead quickly pass a separate aviation bill requiring ADS‑B In for airlines and revoking DoD transmission exemptions to address the concerns.
📌 Key Facts
- Sens. Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz filed two Senate amendments on Dec. 11 to strip NDAA provisions that weaken helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace them with their earlier aviation safety bill.
- The Senate has brought the NDAA to the floor after a 76–20 advance and plans amendment votes, creating the procedural venue for the Cruz–Cantwell aviation safety fix.
- The NDAA was advanced by the House; it remains unclear whether Senate GOP leadership will permit changes that could delay the bill’s final passage.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the issues could be resolved by quickly passing a separate aviation safety bill that would require ADS‑B In for airlines and revoke Department of Defense ADS‑B transmission exemptions, and he supports moving that separate bill.
- NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the NDAA language a “significant safety setback,” warning it could invite a repeat of the January crash that killed 67 people.
- Major transportation labor unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants (led by Sara Nelson), have criticized the NDAA provisions as reckless.
- The contested DC airspace/ADS‑B provision is embedded within the larger NDAA package now advancing toward final passage.
📊 Relevant Data
The January 2025 mid-air collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport was caused in part by incorrect altitude readings from the helicopter's altimeter.
DC plane crash Army helicopter had incorrect altitude readings before American Eagle collision — New York Post
The Army helicopter involved in the January 2025 collision had a non-functioning location system, contributing to the accident.
NTSB hearing: Army helicopter’s location system wasn’t working before deadly D.C. plane crash — The Washington Post
A 2019 study found that the combination of ADS-B Out and ADS-B In can reduce the probability of a fatal mid-air accident by 89%.
A Rant About ADS-B’s Role in Preventing Mid-Air Collisions — uAvionix
The proposed NDAA provision allows exemptions for military helicopters from ADS-B requirements during missions deemed important to national security.
US military helicopter ADS-B exemption sparks safety backlash — FlightGlobal
📰 Sources (3)
- The Senate has formally brought the NDAA to the floor (76–20) and plans amendment votes, providing the venue for Cruz–Cantwell to push their aviation safety fix.
- Contextualizes that the contested DC airspace provision is within the NDAA package now advancing toward final passage.
- Sens. Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz filed two Senate amendments on Dec. 11 to strip NDAA provisions weakening helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace them with their earlier aviation safety bill.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said concerns could be resolved by quickly passing the separate aviation safety bill requiring ADS‑B In for airlines and revoking DoD ADS‑B transmission exemptions.
- The House advanced the NDAA on Wednesday, and it is unclear if Senate GOP leadership will allow changes that could delay passage.
- NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the current NDAA language a 'significant safety setback' inviting a repeat of the 67‑fatality January crash.
- Major transportation labor unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants (Sara Nelson), criticized the NDAA provisions as reckless.