ALERT Act

Bill Number: H.R. 7613
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-04-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-04-22T20:09:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 (ALERT Act) aims to improve aviation safety in response to a fatal midair collision on January 29, 2025, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that killed 67 people on a commercial jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. It mandates advanced collision avoidance technologies, enhanced air traffic control (ATC) training and tools, helicopter route reforms, and coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to prevent future incidents.

Key Provisions

Civil Aviation Matters (Title I)

Collision Avoidance Upgrades:
Evaluate lowering alert inhibit altitudes for Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xa (ACAS Xa) (a system that warns pilots of collision risks).
Rulemaking to require ACAS Xa on certain fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., airliners, cargo) by 2031, with integrated ADS-B In (tech that receives aircraft position data) and audible/visual alerts.
Develop ACAS Xr (rotorcraft version) standards and require it on non-military helicopters/powered-lift in Class B airspace by 2031.
Mandate collision prevention tech (ADS-B In with alerts) on most non-military aircraft with ADS-B Out by Dec. 31, 2031.
ATC and Operational Improvements:
Time-on-position limits for supervisors; threat/error and visual separation training for controllers.
Safety risk assessment tool for controllers; time-based flow management at Potomac TRACON.
Assess DCA arrival rates; review facility levels, shared frequencies, anti-blocking tech, conflict alerts.
Post-accident drug/alcohol testing revisions; document position combinations.
Helicopter Routes and Charts:
Close Helicopter Route 4 segment near DCA; annual reviews with vertical separation near airports.
Update charts for situational awareness; study close proximity encounters (near-misses).
Notification processes for near-misses; safety culture audit by DOT Inspector General.
Accountability:
Public dashboard for rulemaking progress; briefings on delays; prohibition on using ADS-B data for revenue without consent.

DoD Matters (Title II)

New Chapter 158 in Title 10 U.S.C. requiring a DoD-DOT memorandum of agreement (MoA) by Sep. 30, 2026, on collision tech, ADS-B, and accommodations for military aircraft.
Risk assessments for special missions (sensitive ops); manned rotary-wing safety management systems (SMS).
Training on congested airspace; flight data monitoring; altimeter/transponder maintenance.
Reports on proficiency flights, near-misses in National Capital Region; repeal prior law and supersede old MoA.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Equipage Mandates: New requirements for ACAS Xa/Xr and collision tech, overriding prior voluntary standards; deadlines tied to RTCA performance specs.
Helicopter Routes: Prohibits ops on specific DCA route; adds vertical separation criteria to FAA orders.
ADS-B Protections: Expands limits on data use (49 U.S.C. §46101); requires DoD ADS-B Out in National Capital Region unless special mission.
DoD Aviation: Adds Title 10 chapter; repeals 10 U.S.C. §2654; voids 2019 NDAA §1046 and 2024 MoA.
Reporting/Training: Revises FAA orders (e.g., JO 7210.3EE); mandates drug testing, risk tools.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: FAA/DoD face rulemaking, equipage costs, training rollout (e.g., $ for retrofits by 2031); increased oversight via dashboards/briefings. ATO staffing/tools enhanced for safety.
Citizens: Reduced midair collision risk, especially near busy airports like DCA; safer commercial/general aviation flights.
Aircraft Operators: Retrofits/training costs for airlines, helicopters (phased to 2031-2033); DoD upgrades during maintenance.
International Relations: Harmonizes global collision standards; no direct foreign impact, but aids U.S. leadership in aviation safety.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Regulators: FAA (Administrator), DOT Secretary, DoD (military departments), NTSB.
Labor: Air traffic controllers (NATCA), pilots (ALPA), aviation inspectors/engineers.
Operators: Part 121/135/91 airlines, rotorcraft/helicopter firms, cargo, air ambulance, general/business aviation, DoD/military pilots.
Industry: Aircraft/avionics manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Sikorsky), standards groups (RTCA).
Public: Passengers, families of 2025 crash victims (briefings required); first responders honored.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Tight deadlines (e.g., NPRMs in 18-24 months) with congressional oversight for delays; allows equivalent safety alternatives, DoD exemptions for security.
Constitutional: No issues; exercises Congress's commerce clause authority over airspace safety (49 U.S.C.).
Political: Responds to NTSB's 50 recommendations from AIR-26-02 report; emphasizes accountability post-tragedy, honors victims/first responders; balances civilian safety with DoD operational security via MoA. Increases transparency without compromising classified ops.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]

Cosponsors (87)

Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1] and 37 more

Recent Actions

2026-04-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-04-14: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2026-04-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-04-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 - 10 (Roll no. 110). (text: CR H2856-2870) (Roll call 110)
2026-04-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 - 10 (Roll no. 110). (text: CR H2856-2870) (Roll call 110)
2026-04-14: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2875-2876)
2026-04-14: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2026-04-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7613.
2026-04-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2856-2874)
2026-04-14: Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-04-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 528.
2026-04-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-608, Part II.
2026-04-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-608, Part II.
2026-04-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 119-608, Part I.
2026-04-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 119-608, Part I.

Bill Versions

Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (132 pages)
Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (96 pages)
Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (130 pages)
Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-09 — PDF (154 pages)