US House Moves to Strengthen Aviation Safety After Deadly 2025 Crash

Post by : Saif Nasser

Lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a broad aviation safety bill following the deadly mid-air crash in January 2025 that claimed 67 lives. The tragic accident, which involved a passenger jet and a military helicopter, has led to strong calls for reform and better oversight of the nation’s airspace system.

The collision took place near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when a regional jet operated by American Airlines Group Inc struck a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River. It was the worst aviation disaster in the country in more than two decades.

After a year-long investigation, safety officials issued 50 recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents. Members of Congress say their new bill directly responds to those findings. The legislation has support from both Republicans and Democrats, showing agreement that safety must rise above politics.

A key part of the proposal focuses on reforming the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Investigators found weaknesses in how the agency handled safety risks, especially in busy airspace shared by military and civilian aircraft. The bill calls for an independent audit of the FAA’s safety culture and its safety management system. Lawmakers believe a detailed outside review will help rebuild public trust and improve decision-making.

The legislation also aims to improve air traffic control training and update flight procedures. It proposes clearer separation between helicopter routes and commercial flight paths, especially around Reagan National Airport. Lawmakers want stronger coordination between military aviation units and civilian air traffic controllers to avoid dangerous overlaps in flight patterns.

The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that long-standing issues played a role in the crash. According to the NTSB, helicopters were allowed to operate too close to passenger aircraft without enough protective measures. The report also stated that the FAA did not act on earlier warnings suggesting that helicopter traffic should be moved farther from the airport.

In addition to the House proposal, lawmakers are set to vote on another measure known as the ROTOR Act. This separate bill would require aircraft operators to install a tracking technology called Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast, or ADS-B, by 2031. The system allows planes and helicopters to share their exact location in real time, reducing the risk of collisions. The Senate has already approved this measure unanimously.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has acknowledged that the agency must improve its internal systems and culture. He has pledged to follow the safety board’s recommendations and strengthen oversight. Members of Congress say they will monitor progress closely to ensure real change happens.

Although flying remains one of the safest forms of travel, this accident showed that even advanced systems can fail if warnings are ignored. The loss of 67 lives has deeply affected families and communities across the country. For many Americans, the new legislation represents a serious effort to learn from tragedy and prevent another disaster.

If approved, the bill could bring lasting reforms to how U.S. airspace is managed. Lawmakers say their message is clear: protecting passengers, crew members, and military personnel must always be the top priority.