Defense Department Cites Budget Burdens And Security Risks
The Pentagon has unexpectedly withdrawn its support for the ROTOR Act, a bipartisan aviation safety bill drafted in response to a fatal midair collision near Washington National Airport in January 2025. The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in December 2025, aims to improve aviation safety by requiring safety reviews and the implementation of location tracking technology. However, the Defense Department has cited concerns over budget burdens and operational security risks, introducing uncertainty ahead of a scheduled House vote. The legislation has drawn support from labor groups and the NTSB chair, but faces opposition from House committee leaders who argue it takes an overly prescriptive approach. This development was first reported by AeroTime.