Bill would require more aircraft to add collision-warning tech
Officially: ALERT Act
More aircraft would have to use better collision-warning and traffic-display systems. The bill also changes helicopter routes, air traffic control rules, and military safety practices near busy airports. It is aimed at preventing another crash like the 2025 collision near Reagan National.
Where it stands
House Floor · Floor consideration Tue, Apr 14
In 3 days. Members are taking positions right now.
- The Federal Aviation Administration must study whether ACAS Xa alerts can start lower to better cover flying near airports. If that is safe, it must update the technical standard so pilots get warnings through more of the low-altitude flight path.
- The Federal Aviation Administration must use a rulemaking panel to decide which large aircraft now carrying TCAS must upgrade to ACAS Xa. The final rule must set equipage deadlines by December 31, 2031, and software or hardware upgrade deadlines by December 31, 2033.
- The government must create ACAS Xr safety standards for helicopters and powered-lift aircraft. It must also write a separate rule that requires ACAS Xr or other collision-prevention tools for non-military rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft in Class B airspace.
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The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- The bill follows all 50 National Transportation Safety Board recommendations from the 2025 Reagan National crash. That gives it a direct link to a real accident and to specific safety failures that investigators already found.
- More aircraft would have to use modern collision-warning systems and ADS-B-based traffic displays. That could cut the risk of midair crashes and serious close calls, especially near busy airports.
- Helicopter and airplane routes would be separated more clearly near Reagan National and other airports. Closing the old Helicopter Route 4 segment also removes a known conflict point.
- The bill could be expensive for airlines, small operators, helicopter owners, and the military. Requiring new displays and collision-warning systems on thousands of aircraft by fixed dates could also strain the avionics supply chain.
- Pilots and controllers could end up with more to manage in the cockpit and on the job. New alerts, chart changes, and added procedures might create extra complexity near airports, where workload is already high.
- Sensitive military flights could become easier to track or understand. That concern could remain even with rules meant to protect mission details and aircraft capabilities.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Latest: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 528. (4/9/2026)
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail