Bill · H.R. 7240· House(119-HR-7240)
Military ADS–B Out Loophole Act
- Introduced
- 1/27/2026
- Last activity
- 1/28/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Barrett
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Military ADS-B Out Loophole Act. It directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to revise regulations related to ADS-B Out transmission exceptions. Specifically, the term sensitive government mission must be narrowly construed and limited only to the portion of the flight where sensitive activities actually occur. The legislation mandates new rulemaking, regular reporting requirements from agencies and the Administrator, and reviews by the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Transportation Inspector General. These steps are designed to hold officials and agencies accountable for how they use flight tracking exceptions.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The legislation enhances government transparency by narrowing flight tracking exceptions and mandating regular agency reporting and audits.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill increases federal oversight and reporting requirements for agencies regarding flight tracking exceptions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(a)(1) requires that the term sensitive government mission be narrowly construed and limited only to the specific portion of the flight during which sensitive activities are carried out. This is a positive step for transparency and safety because it prevents broad, blanket exemptions from tracking rules and ensures officials are held accountable during standard flight times.
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Section 2(d) requires Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies to submit quarterly reports to the Administrator listing operations where ADS-B Out equipment is turned off. This provides clear oversight and keeps the public informed by making sure officials report specific details like airport, airspace location, date, time, duration, and mission type.
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Section 2(e) mandates annual audits by the Department of Transportation Inspector General beginning three years after enactment. This ensures ongoing accountability for government officials and agencies by reviewing how the FAA oversees these flight exceptions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d)(1) places a reporting burden on agencies by requiring them to submit quarterly reports detailing every operation where ADS-B Out equipment is not in transmit mode. While this is important for accountability, it creates administrative tasks for the agencies involved.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+3
- 1/28/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 1/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House