Supporters praise the legislation for improving aviation safety 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Aviation organizations and families of the victims of American Airlines Flight 5342 crash have praised the Senate Commerce Committee’s unanimous passage of Chairman Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) aviation safety bill. The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act would require ADS-B safety technology in aircraft and improve air traffic control.

Sen. Cruz and his colleagues first introduced the legislation six months to the day after the January 29^th midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Sen. Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell reached a bipartisan agreement on legislative text to advance the ROTOR Act out of Senate Commerce Committee earlier this week.

To see a full list of supporters, click HERE.

Below are some statements in support of the ROTOR Act:

The Families of Flight 5342: “The Families of Flight 5342 deeply thank Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the Cruz/Cantwell ROTOR Act- an essential first step toward fixing the failures that cost 67 lives on January 29, 2025. Their action demonstrates that safety must always come before politics, profit, or convenience.”

Sheri and Tim Lilley, Parents of First Officer Sam Lilley: “Sheri and I support the ROTOR Act as written and urge Congress to preserve the bill’s strong safety provisions. Had this legislation been in place earlier this year, 67 lives, including our son Sam’s, would have been spared. Both ADS-B and ACAS-X are vital, complementary technologies that provide multiple layers of collision avoidance and enhance situational awareness for all pilots. Every aircraft operator, particularly those transporting passengers for hire, has a moral obligation to invest in safety systems. The ROTOR Act represents meaningful progress toward ensuring that the lessons of January 29 lead to lasting change and safer skies for everyone who boards an aircraft.”

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA): “The Aerospace Industries Association applauds Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership on the ROTOR Act. The tragic collision near DCA earlier this year served as a stark reminder of the responsibility shared by every stakeholder in our aviation ecosystem. Safety is the top priority of the American aerospace industry, and the ROTOR Act honors that commitment. AIA and our members stand ready to support the implementation of these reforms and continue working with Congress, the FAA, and other federal partners to create a safer national airspace and ensure that tragedies like the one at DCA never happen again.”

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA): “ALPA applauds Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in advancing critical aviation safety measures through their agreement on the ROTOR Act. This legislation represents a significant step forward in preventing future tragedies by immediately closing dangerous loopholes and mandating enhanced safety technology. The bipartisan agreement makes crucial improvements that will save lives.”

Airlines for America (A4A): “The safety of our passengers and crews is always our top priority, and we are grateful for efforts that support and advance safety performance across the National Airspace System (NAS). We appreciate Senators Cruz and Cantwell’s tireless dedication to aviation safety. We will continue to work closely with legislators to ensure that the bill is given careful consideration and that aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the U.S. and around the world.”

American Airlines: “We continue to mourn the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 5342 and we are grateful for Senators Cruz and Cantwell, Secretary Duffy, Members of Congress, and everyone involved for their work to make aviation and our national airspace even safer. American Airlines stands in strong support of the bipartisan ROTOR Act.”

Boeing: “Thank you for your ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation safety and to respond to the tragic accident that occurred earlier this year…The Boeing Company supports the goals and objectives of the bipartisan Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act as drafted…”

Cargo Airline Association: “The Cargo Airline Association commends the bipartisan effort led by Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell to strengthen aviation safety and transparency across the National Airspace System. We look forward to working with both chambers to ensure the final legislation upholds the highest aviation safety standards while setting achievable and practical milestones for both government and industry alike.”

Delta Air Lines: “Delta Air Lines is grateful to Senators Cruz and Cantwell for their bipartisan support and tireless efforts to improve aviation safety in the U.S. At Delta, the safety of our people and customers is our highest priority. We look forward to working closely with the senators to ensure the ROTOR Act improves safety across the national air space.”

JSX: “JSX commends Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and the Senate Commerce Committee for their bipartisan leadership in unanimously advancing the ROTOR Act—critical legislation that will enhance safety across the National Airspace System…We stand ready to partner with the Committee and the FAA in ensuring our country sets the highest bar for aviation safety in the world. The protection of every passenger, crew member, and aircraft in our skies must remain our collective priority.”

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA): “NATCA supports the passage of the bipartisan amendment to this critical aviation safety legislation…We are pleased that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation continues to advance aviation safety legislation in a bipartisan manner. We know that the ROTOR Act will improve the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).”

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