Bresnahan Champions ADS-B In Amendment, Urges Action to Make Skies Safer

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) participated in a meeting of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to markup H.R. 7613, the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026, aviation safety legislation responding to last year's collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The ALERT Act was approved unanimously by the committee.

During the markup, Rep. Bresnahan joined Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04) to introduce an amendment to require ADS-B In technology on all aircraft already mandated to have ADS-B Out. ADS-B Out technology enables an aircraft to broadcast its GPS location, altitude, speed, and direction to air traffic controllers and nearby aircraft equipped with ADS-B In. ADS-B In technology allows aircraft to receive this information from other aircraft and ground stations, providing pilots with real-time awareness of surrounding traffic and conditions.

"ADS-B In is technology that provides situational awareness and surveillance that provides pilots greater advanced warning of potential threats, said Rep. Bresnahan. "The reality is this is technology that some new pilots are being trained on from day one. This is how modern aviation operates. ADS-B In is proven technology that can be deployed now to save lives."

Present at the markup were family members of the victims of Flight 5342. The crash, which occurred on January 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew aboard Flight 5342 and the three Army personnel. ADS-B technology was not broadcasting from the helicopter at the time of the collision.

"Any safety requirement that routes implementation through negotiated processes, administrative discretion, or multi-step rulemaking creates opportunities for delay that cost lives. The strongest version of this bill will set clear statutory timelines and performance standards that leave no room for process to become an obstacle," wrote the families. "We strongly support the Bresnahan-Hoyle amendment. It ensures ADS-B In is implemented the right way, with a statutory mandate and enforceable deadlines that require the FAA to act. A clear ADS-B In mandate that fully meets the NTSB's own recommendations must be part of any bill that becomes law."

Their full statement, which Rep. Bresnahan entered into the record during the markup, can be read here.

"I want to take time to acknowledge all the family members and friends, especially those in the room with us here today, who lost loved ones in Flight 5342's tragic accident," said Rep. Bresnahan. "It's your advocacy up here in Washington that helped get us to where we are today. Without you being here, I'm not sure we would all be in here talking about the ALERT Act…We have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.

"The ALERT Act is a step in the right direction for aviation safety, but there is certainly more work to be done," continued Rep. Bresnahan. "I will continue to push to ensure that any final legislation requires ADS-B In and delivers the strongest possible safety protections to prevent future accidents and the loss of life. I look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues to get a package across the finish line that makes our skies safer and saves lives."

Rep. Bresnahan's full remarks can be viewed here.

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