House to Consider Aviation Safety Bill After Deadly Crash

Legislation aims to improve oversight and require new safety tech on aircraft.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider new aviation safety legislation next week, following the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into a January 2025 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. The Senate has already passed a bill that would mandate aircraft operators equip their fleets with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) systems by the end of 2031, and boost oversight of commercial air traffic near airports.

Why it matters

This legislation is a direct response to the deadly 2025 crash, which raised serious concerns about aviation safety and the need for improved technology and oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future. The proposed bills aim to enhance aviation safety and prevent similar mid-air collisions.

The details

The House Transportation and Armed Services committees are working to introduce a comprehensive bill that would address the range of issues raised by the 2025 crash. The Senate-passed legislation would require aircraft operators to install ADS-B systems, which provide real-time tracking data, by the end of 2031. The bill would also boost oversight of commercial jet and helicopter traffic and flight routes near commercial airports.

  • The House is set to consider the aviation safety legislation next week.
  • The Senate passed similar legislation unanimously in December.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board

The U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and issuing safety recommendations.

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline whose regional jet was involved in the 2025 mid-air collision.

U.S. Army

The branch of the U.S. military whose Black Hawk helicopter was involved in the 2025 mid-air collision.

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What’s next

The House is expected to consider the aviation safety legislation next week, following the Senate's unanimous passage of a similar bill in December.

The takeaway

This legislation is a critical step in improving aviation safety and preventing future mid-air collisions, by requiring new tracking technology and enhancing oversight of air traffic near airports. The bipartisan support in Congress underscores the importance of these safety measures.