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119-s-1985119th CongressWALLET

Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

Introduced

Summary

Strengthen airspace safety and FAA-DoD coordination. This bill would order an independent review of the FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) with a panel convened within 60 days required to report recommendations within 180 days, narrow ADS‑B Out exceptions, and require ADS‑B In on many commercial operations.

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  • Passengers and airlines: Would require installation and operation of ADS‑B In on Part 121 carriers, scheduled Part 135 operators, and Part 380 operations within four years to improve situational awareness and collision alerts. The FAA would set performance requirements and publish guidance on equipment that meets those standards.
  • FAA workforce and training: Would bar staffing reductions at the FAA, reverse hiring halts retroactively for recent agency actions, extend the air traffic controller hiring deadline from 2028 to 2033, and create an Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative to recruit and fast‑track new controllers.
  • Military and federal operations: Would narrow what counts as a "sensitive mission" for ADS‑B Out exceptions, require a GAO review of exception use within one year, establish an FAA‑DoD coordination office and joint council, and require memoranda of understanding with military services to share safety information.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

ADS‑B In required for scheduled carriers

If enacted, airlines and scheduled operators would need ADS‑B In equipment on aircraft within 4 years. The rule would apply to Part 121 carriers, Part 135 operators that provide scheduled service, and operations under Part 380. The FAA would set performance standards and publish guidance on acceptable equipment. The bill does not provide specific funding, so carriers could face equipment and installation costs that might affect fares or operations.

Protect FAA jobs and expand training

If enacted, the bill would stop hiring freezes and reverse FAA hiring halts from January 20, 2025 to enactment. It would bar voluntary furlough and reduction‑in‑force programs and prevent cuts to FAA full‑time positions. The FAA would expand an Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative and aim to certify at least 15 schools, let high‑scoring graduates get non‑competitive hiring, and use available funds to support faculty, evaluators, and aviation medical examiner staffing.

Stronger FAA–DoD airspace oversight

If enacted, the FAA would set up an FAA–DoD coordination office within 30 days to review mixed military and civil airspace. The office would begin safety reviews of Class B airports and start higher‑volume reviews within 90 days. It would also review Washington, DC area Special Flight Rules Area operations within 30 days of opening. The bill would narrow which flights can use ADS‑B Out exceptions, require GAO to review exception use within one year, and create a joint FAA–DoD council to review exceptions and brief Congress yearly.

Stronger accident reviews and ethics checks

If enacted, the FAA would use a Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology for any U.S. transport airplane accident that causes a death and report results to Congress within 30 days. The FAA must name TARAM experts and update policy within 60 days. The Transportation Secretary would issue an interim rule within 60 days to enforce conflict‑of‑interest law, and the DOT Inspector General would review compliance and brief Congress within one year.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

WA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 7/28/2025

  • Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 7/28/2025

  • Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 7/28/2025

  • Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 10/22/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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