Summary
Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 or the ALERT Act
This bill addresses aviation safety by increasing requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight. As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather) among aircraft and air traffic control (ATC).
The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enter into an agreement regarding the use of collision prevention technologies on DOD aircraft. The agreement must require the use of ADS-B Out as the default practice for DOD helicopters operating in the national airspace, unless such use would affect operational security. For DOD helicopters that are carrying out special missions in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and are exempt from ADS-B Out transmission requirements, DOD must coordinate with DOT to conduct a safety risk assessment and implement appropriate mitigations.
By December 31, 2031, DOD aircraft (other than certain special mission aircraft) must be equipped with and operating integrated ADS-B In technology.
With respect to civil aircraft, by December 31, 2031, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must generally require aircraft that are currently required to be equipped with ADS-B Out to also be equipped with ADS-B In.
Additionally, among other requirements, the FAA must
- establish time-on-position limits for supervisory ATC personnel;
- establish a process to timely notify parties involved in certain near-miss incidents; and
- evaluate and revise, as necessary, helicopter routes around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Legislative Journey
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SenateThe title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn 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)
HousePassed/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)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2875-2876)
HouseAt 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.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7613.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2856-2874)
HouseMr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 528.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-608, Part II.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-608, Part II.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 119-608, Part I.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 119-608, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 53 - 0.
HouseOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 62 - 0.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseSubcommittee on Aviation Discharged
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
HouseReferred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseReferred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House