The Department of War is pushing back against a Senate-passed aviation safety bill, citing unresolved budget concerns and national security risks.
In a statement on Monday, department officials warned that the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act could hamper sensitive military operations.
“The Department of War appreciates Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, Sen. Moran, Sen. Marshall, and Sen. Duckworth for their sustained engagement on the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act and shares their commitment to improving aviation safety and accountability,” said Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs.
However, Parnell noted the version passed by the Senate diverged from previous negotiations. The department had worked with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to address safety and security concerns.
“As currently drafted, enactment would create significant unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks affecting national defense activities,” Parnell stated.
“Under the bill, aircraft must generally operate with ADS-B In equipment to provide the aircraft with location information of other aircraft and traffic advisories. Current law does not require this equipment,” a legislative summary of the bill states.
“Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations allow aircraft performing a sensitive government mission to be excepted from requirements for using ADS-B Out equipment. This bill limits which flights may be considered sensitive government missions (e.g., not training flights) and requires additional reporting and notifications for the exception.”
In addition, the bill would also repeal a “2025 law that exempts certain military helicopters from the ADS-B Out requirements for the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.”
The department did not specify which provisions pose problems. Officials said they remain willing to negotiate with Congress.
“The Department remains ready to continue productive dialogue with Congress to ensure the legislation achieves its safety goals while protecting essential operational capabilities and resources,” according to Parnell’s statement.
The bill’s sponsors have not yet responded to the department’s concerns. Congressional action on the measure remains uncertain.
