Story perspectives

Senate Passes Bill to Enhance Aircraft Safety After Tragedy

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 17, 2025, the Senate swiftly passed a bipartisan bill to close a loophole allowing military aircraft to fly without broadcasting locations, following a deadly collision in Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.
The bill mandates Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology for all aircraft.
Senator Ted Cruz said the tragedy could have been avoided with ADS-B, and the bill requires a safety review and data sharing with the FAA.

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Story summary

On December 17, 2025, the Senate swiftly passed a bipartisan bill to close a loophole allowing military aircraft to fly without broadcasting locations, following a deadly collision in Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.
The bill mandates Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology for all aircraft.
Senator Ted Cruz said the tragedy could have been avoided with ADS-B, and the bill requires a safety review and data sharing with the FAA.