Latest Action · Feb 24, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).
Bill Progress
Congress Moves to Track All Aircraft Flights
Why it matters
New tech rules could reshape who watches the skies—and how tightly.
The big picture: The ROTOR Act would force all aircraft—including government and law enforcement—to use a technology called ADS-B In, which continuously broadcasts their position. This closes a current loophole that allows certain 'sensitive' government flights to stay off the radar, literally and figuratively.
Zoom in: The law specifically targets flights labeled as 'training' or 'proficiency checks' near airports in busy airspace, making it harder to use these as cover for other activities. The only exception is for true national security events, tightening boundaries around what can be hidden for 'security' reasons.
Between the lines: The change could mean more public and official scrutiny of government, police, and other non-commercial flights, especially near cities. Aviation groups and privacy advocates are split—some cheer a win for transparency; others worry it exposes sensitive operations or adds cost and complexity for pilots and agencies.
What This Bill Does
Mandatory Flight Tracking (ADS-B In)
Requires all aircraft, including government, law enforcement, and private, to use real-time tracking technology that publicly broadcasts their location.
Limits on 'Sensitive Mission' Exceptions
Redefines what counts as a 'sensitive government mission,' blocking most training and proficiency flights from hiding their locations unless it's a true national security event.
FAA Rulemaking Deadline
Gives the FAA one year to update regulations to enforce the new requirements.
Congressional Oversight
If the FAA misses the deadline, it must report to Congress, explaining delays and next steps.
Exploring Alternatives
Requires the FAA to issue guidance on when alternative tracking technologies can be used instead of ADS-B.
Who Benefits
Commercial airline passengers
Potentially safer skies, as all aircraft movements will be tracked with fewer blind spots.
Local communities near airports
Gain more transparency about government and low-flying aircraft activity overhead.
Open government advocates
Get new tools to spot and challenge hidden or opaque government operations.
Air traffic controllers
Can manage traffic more safely and efficiently with fuller tracking data.
Who's Affected
Law enforcement and government pilots
Lose the ability to mask routine training flights, face higher compliance costs, and will have most activities publicly tracked.
Pilots in busy airspace
Must install and use new tracking equipment, adding cost and technical requirements.
National security agencies
Retain some ability to hide flights, but only for genuine security events, not routine training.
Aviation privacy advocates
See reduced options for any aircraft to fly untracked, potentially raising privacy and operational concerns.
Cosponsors (21)
Jerry Moran
Republican · KS
Marsha Blackburn
Republican · TN
Ted Budd
Republican · NC
Shelley Capito
Republican · WV
Roger Marshall
Republican · KS
Eric Schmitt
Republican · MO
Tim Sheehy
Republican · MT
Todd Young
Republican · IN
Maria Cantwell
Democrat · WA
Tammy Duckworth
Democrat · IL
Timothy Kaine
Democrat · VA
Mark Warner
Democrat · VA
Recent Actions
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).
Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2277)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2503.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2248-2257)
Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
What Changes in the Law
1 changes
Sections Repealed
373(a) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Committees (1)
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Senate · Standing
Reported By · Nov 18, 2025
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Source: Congress.gov