Ted Cruz Launches Aviation Safety Bill After DCA Midair Crash

New Legislation Aims to Prevent Future Midair Collisions

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, introduced new legislation on Tuesday aimed at addressing the factors that contributed to the deadly midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet on January 29. The incident occurred as the jet was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., resulting in the loss of all 64 passengers and crew aboard the plane, as well as the three soldiers on the military helicopter.

Cruz, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, emphasized the need for improved aviation safety measures. His bill focuses on two key areas: helicopter routes near airports and the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. This advanced system allows aircraft to broadcast real-time data about their location, altitude, speed, and other critical information.

Cruz argued that the legislation would establish new requirements for both military and civilian aircraft to use ADS-B, which he described as a vital tool for pilots and air traffic controllers. “There cannot be a double standard in aviation safety,” he said. “We should not tolerate special exceptions for military training flights operating in congested airspace. No matter the circumstances, any aircraft flying near commercial traffic must fully adhere to safety standards.”

The Black Hawk involved in the crash was likely not transmitting ADS-B signals, according to Cruz. His bill would eliminate a military exemption that currently allows certain aircraft to avoid using the technology. Additionally, the legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review helicopter routes near airports across the country.

“We cannot have commercial airplanes and helicopters on a collision course ever again,” Cruz stated. He and the top Democrat on the committee, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, have been working closely with Army officials following the crash, demanding more transparency about helicopter operations near Reagan National Airport. At one point, Cruz threatened to subpoena the Army for additional information.

Cantwell and other Senate Democrats have also introduced legislation related to the crash, which they claim is more comprehensive than Cruz’s proposal, with stricter ADS-B requirements. Cantwell expressed her commitment to working with Cruz to ensure that the necessary safety measures are implemented and to honor the memory of those who lost their lives.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy supported Cruz’s initiative during a press conference, stating that while there may be minor adjustments to the legislation, “by and large, this is the right approach.” Duffy noted that the cost of ADS-B is not prohibitive and that the technology significantly improves aviation safety.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will begin a three-day investigation into the crash on Wednesday, examining the circumstances that led to the tragedy. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, who joined Cruz at the press conference, highlighted that the board has long advocated for ADS-B, calling it a “game changer” for aviation safety.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford responded to questions about the incident, stating that military helicopters near Reagan National are now required to have ADS-B activated unless they are on exempted missions. In such cases, the area is closed to commercial air traffic.

President Donald Trump initially suggested that air traffic controller standards might have played a role in the crash. However, Cruz pointed to the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, which includes billions of dollars allocated for modernizing air traffic control systems.

The legislative efforts underscore a growing consensus among lawmakers and aviation officials that improving surveillance technology and enforcing uniform safety standards are essential to preventing future tragedies.