Sponsors (14)
Introduced June 5, 2025 by Maria E. Cantwell · Last progress June 5, 2025
The bill trades expanded, faster safety oversight and a strengthened controller pipeline (with clearer rules and interagency coordination) against higher taxpayer and operator costs, tighter deadlines that may strain agency capacity, and operational constraints for some military and nonparticipating institutions.
Air passengers, flight crews, and the flying public will face lower risks of crashes and midair conflicts because the bill accelerates post‑accident reviews, tightens ADS‑B Out exceptions, requires ADS‑B In performance standards, and improves data sharing and targeted safety reviews around busy airports.
Students, aviation programs, and the FAA will see a stronger controller pipeline because the bill funds FAA‑certified training programs, enables non‑competitive appointment for graduates who meet standards, and allows changes to hiring caps to make it easier to onboard more controllers.
Congress, the FAA workforce, and taxpayers will gain faster, more transparent oversight because the bill mandates rapid audits and reports after accidents or systemic problems, increases whistleblower/complaint protections, and expands GAO and congressional reporting roles.
Taxpayers and FAA budgets are likely to face meaningful new costs because the bill subsidizes training programs and faculty, funds rapid audits and reviews, establishes new offices and councils, and supports expanded data‑sharing and oversight activities.
Commercial and small operators (Part 135, regional carriers, and small businesses) will incur equipment, installation, and maintenance costs to meet new ADS‑B In/Out mandates and related compliance requirements, potentially straining small operators' finances and schedules.
Some military, law‑enforcement, and other sensitive Federal missions could face operational constraints, extra costs, or security challenges because the bill narrows ADS‑B Out exceptions and increases sharing of military safety data with civilian authorities.
Based on analysis of 24 sections of legislative text.
Strengthens FAA safety oversight, expands air traffic training pipelines, requires ADS‑B In on many air carrier aircraft within four years, and increases FAA–DOD coordination and watchdog reviews.
Requires the FAA to expand and strengthen air traffic controller recruitment and training, tighten oversight and conflict‑of‑interest rules, increase FAA–DOD safety coordination, and require certain air carriers to install and operate ADS‑B In equipment within four years. It also mandates multiple safety reviews, audits, and reports (including risk analyses after transport airplane fatalities), creates an independent expert review panel for the FAA’s Safety Management System, and protects the FAA workforce from hiring freezes and involuntary reductions while Congress and watchdogs review certain personnel actions. Implements short deadline actions (30–120 days) for rulemaking, coordination offices, MOUs, and reviews; sets longer deadlines for ADS‑B In equipage (four years) and phased airport safety reviews; and increases GAO/IG reporting and oversight of FAA practices and whistleblower protections.