Improving Aviation Safety

Improving Aviation Safety

I recently joined with a group of colleagues to introduce Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. The bill comes six months after the tragic January 29 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This tragic accident was a sobering reminder of the importance of airspace oversight and modernization.

Our bill takes a common-sense approach to better prevent future tragedies and ensure our skies are safer for everyone. The ROTOR Act would establish new requirements for virtually all aircraft and helicopters to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B). ADS-B Out technology allows aircraft to accurately communicate their location with greater precision than traditional radar. The ROTOR Act would also require all aircraft in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B In, which would allow pilots to communicate better with other aircraft, air traffic control (ATC), and vehicles on the ground.

The legislation would also ensure that an aircraft be equipped with and using ADS-B Out technology unless the operation is for a sensitive government mission or for a national security event. Additionally, the bill would enhance oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, require quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and require a study for potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.

Read more here.

Academy Day 2025

High school students interested in learning more about America’s service academies are invited to attend my upcoming Academy Day on August 18. This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the admissions process and what life is like at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Representatives from each academy will be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, please email academy_nominations@young.senate.gov or visit my website.

America Must Lead on Innovation

I recently sat down with Punchbowl News to discuss several of the most pressing issues facing American innovation, technology, and competitiveness, including AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and permitting reform.

My soon-to-be-reintroduced Future of AI Innovation Act would codify the Trump Administration’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation, which is tasked with developing guidelines and best practices for AI and evaluating potential security threats from malign foreign actors. We also discussed the CHIPS and Science Act, which I helped author to reshore semiconductor production back to the United States and break our dependence on other countries for these critical chips.

Read the full article here or by clicking above.

Stress Test of America’s Finances

I joined Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) in introducing the Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act, legislation to require the Department of Treasury to conduct annual “stress tests” on the federal government’s finances. The legislation would require Treasury to examine the U.S. government’s financial ability to respond to potentially catastrophic events – like an economic recession or a significant natural disaster – and put forth a report on the short- and long-term fiscal risks and impacts associated with such a response.

The United States has faced several threats to the stability of our economy and financial systems in recent years, including the 9-11 attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our bill will require yearly reviews of America’s fiscal strength to ensure policymakers can properly respond to future emergencies and make informed policy decisions.