H.R. 7613 · Passed House · Transportation and Public Works

ALERT Act

What it does

Requires the Departments of Defense and Transportation to agree on the use of collision prevention technologies on DOD aircraft.
Makes ADS-B Out transmission the default for DOD helicopters in the national airspace unless it would affect operational security.
Requires a safety risk assessment and mitigations, coordinated with DOT, for exempt DOD helicopters on special missions in the Washington, DC, area.
Requires DOD aircraft, other than certain special mission aircraft, to operate integrated ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031.
Requires the FAA to generally mandate ADS-B In on civil aircraft already required to carry ADS-B Out by the same date.

Official summary

Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 or the ALERT Act This bill addresses aviation safety by increasing requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight. As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather) among aircraft and air traffic control (ATC). The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enter into an agreement regarding the use of collision prevention technologies on DOD aircraft. The agreement must require the use of ADS-B Out as the default practice for DOD helicopters operating in the national airspace, unless such use would affect operational security. For DOD helicopters that are carrying out special missions in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and are exempt from ADS-B Out transmission requirements, DOD must coordinate with DOT to conduct a safety risk assessment and implement appropriate mitigations. By December 31, 2031, DOD aircraft (other than certain special mission aircraft) must be equipped with and operating integrated…

Latest action

Apr 15, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation