WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement about the failed vote for the ROTOR Act on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“Last year’s tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter took 67 lives and devastated families and communities across our country. It was the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in decades. The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board identified systemic failures in how civilian and military aircraft operate in shared airspace. 

“More recently, serious coordination failures in El Paso between the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security, and civilian authorities led to the temporary closure of airspace affecting an international commercial airport and its surrounding community. That incident underscores that these challenges are not isolated — they are systemic and ongoing. These failures demand legislative action.

“Today, the House of Representatives considered the ROTOR Act as an initial response to this tragic disaster. The bill would have made changes to strengthen collision-avoidance standards and improve aviation safety, which is why I voted in favor of its passage. 

“I’m disappointed that the ROTOR Act failed to pass the House of Representatives. This legislation began the important process of addressing aviation safety and improved communication between civilian and military aircrafts. 

“The tragedy that occurred over Washington, D.C. last year made clear that fragmented oversight and poor coordination cannot continue. I urge Speaker Johnson to work with the relevant committees, departments and agencies, families, and stakeholders to consider aviation safety legislation so that Congress can quickly enact the full scope of reforms necessary to protect the flying public and prevent another catastrophic loss of life."


 

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