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RepublicanAmendment · S.Amdt. 3493· Senate(119-SAMDT-3493)

S.Amdt. 3493

Rep. Cruz
Age: 56 years
Texas
Introduced
8/1/2025
Sponsored by
Ted Cruz
Cosponsors
Republican - 8Democrat - 0
Changes bill
119-S-2296 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act (or the ROTOR Act) is an amendment to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to increase transparency, safety, and accountability regarding how rotorcraft and other aircraft use tracking technology and operate in shared airspace.

Key changes and additions include:

  • Tracking Technology (ADS-B):

    • It narrows the "sensitive government mission" exception for ADS-B Out transmissions, specifically excluding training or proficiency missions in Class B or Class C airspace unless they involve national security.
    • It requires newly manufactured manned aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B In.
    • It requires aircraft already manufactured that use ADS-B Out in certain airspaces to also install and operate ADS-B In.
    • It directs the FAA Administrator to provide guidance on using TIS-B and TCAS for national defense, law enforcement, and homeland security intelligence.

  • Oversight and Reporting:

    • Agencies using ADS-B Out must submit quarterly reports to the FAA regarding their transmissions and any instances where equipment was not in transmit mode.
    • The FAA must provide biannual reports to Congress on the frequency and nature of ADS-B Out exceptions granted to federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
    • It mandates an audit by the Inspector General of the Army to evaluate Army pilot training, coordination with the FAA, and the use of ADS-B Out.

  • Safety and Airspace Management:

    • It requires a study on creating a dynamic restricted area over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to prevent rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft from interfering with fixed-wing aircraft.
    • It requires a review and potential modification of charted helicopter routes to ensure there is enough separation between rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft near commercial service airports.

  • Legal Repeal:

    • It repeals a specific provision from the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 concerning ADS-B equipment on certain Department of Defense aircraft.