hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Tests military aircraft safety systems operating in U.S. airspace.
Rep. Barrett (sponsor)
Introduced in House, referred to committee
This bill, introduced by Representative Barrett, requires the Department of Defense to regularly test and certify tracking systems on its aircraft that fly in U.S. airspace. It has been introduced in the House of Representatives and sent to the Committee on Armed Services for review, meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process.
Introduced Mar 25, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. It must pass through this committee, then receive a vote in the full House. If it passes there, it moves to the Senate for a similar process, and finally, to the President to be signed into law.
If this bill becomes law, the Department of Defense will be required to establish new standards to test and certify their aircraft's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transponder systems every 90 days when flying in U.S. airspace. You might not directly see this, but it aims to enhance overall air safety for all aircraft. Congress would also receive reports every 180 days about these tests, including any system failures. Additionally, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense will audit the department's compliance twice within two years, ensuring these new safety requirements are met.
Supporters Say
Proponents argue this bill improves air traffic safety by ensuring military aircraft tracking systems are always working correctly.
Critics Say
Opponents might suggest this adds administrative burden or cost to military operations without significant safety gains.
Supporters of the bill would likely emphasize that consistent testing and reporting of military aircraft transponders are crucial for preventing mid-air collisions and improving overall air traffic management in shared airspace. Critics might raise concerns about the practicality of testing every 90 days for all relevant aircraft, the resources required for these tests and audits, and whether existing safety protocols are already sufficient.