Democrats unveil sweeping air safety legislation after fatal Reagan National crash
Seven Democratic lawmakers unveiled legislation Thursday outlining updated air safety regulations after a deadly passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter in January.
The proposed bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to do safety reviews after commercial airline accidents while requiring companies to use advanced aircraft-tracking technology known as ADS-B.
Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 'to strengthen aviation safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), airports across the nation, and the Federal Aviation Administration,' according to a press release.
Both President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have called for major reform for airlines after several deadly plane crashes at the beginning of the year.
Complications continued in early May, as two commercial passenger jets landing at Reagan National Airport last week needed to shift course because of an Army helicopter taking a 'scenic route' near the airport.
Duffy, in part, said incidents occurred due to a dwindling air traffic control staff, outdated communication technology and a lack of clear guidance on military flights.
However, lawmakers say Thursday's legislation will help close the gap in aviation regulations.
'The DCA tragedy claimed 67 lives and exposed critical gaps in aviation safety oversight—over 15,000 near-misses should have been a glaring warning sign,' Cantwell said in the release. 'This legislation closes dangerous loopholes that allowed aircraft to operate without essential safety technology, mandates modern surveillance systems that enhance pilot awareness of nearby aircraft, and ensures the FAA finally acts on the data instead of ignoring it.'
The FAA declined The Hill's request for comment on the pending bill.
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