Ted Cruz (R-TX)· Dec 17, 2025
S.Amdt. 4070: In the nature of a substitute.
Adopted
With no one objecting, no names recorded
A Republican bill with 11 Democratic cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors
Last activity — 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
Came to a vote and did not get the votes it needed.
Usually nothing. A measure can be brought back, but one that failed on the floor rarely returns in the same Congress.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Awaiting House
- Failed 264–133, needed two-thirds
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The ROTOR Act requires aircraft that use ADS-B Out to also be equipped with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031, to improve situational awareness for pilots. It limits the "sensitive government mission" exception for ADS-B Out, ensuring routine or non-classified flights of lower-ranking officials are not exempt. The bill mandates safety reviews of flight operations near various classes of airports, specifically highlighting the Washington D.C. area. It also establishes an Office of FAA-DOD Coordination and requires safety information sharing between the FAA and military departments. Additionally, it directs the Army Inspector General to audit Army coordination with the FAA and the use of ADS-B Out.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Narrows government mission exceptions for ADS-B and mandates reporting and audits of government flights.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
Directs funding and research for the deployment of ACAS-X technology.
- Scored +3
Would union members be better off under this?
Includes air traffic controller and pilot unions in the rulemaking process.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
Mandatory equipment upgrades for ADS-B In may impose financial burdens on small aircraft operators.
- Scored -2
Would business owners be better off under this?
Aircraft owners and operators face new mandatory equipment costs.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Short of two-thirds 264 yes · 133 no
02/24/2026 · Roll call 72 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Pilot Awareness: The requirement for ADS-B In provides aircraft with awareness of other aircraft locations and traffic advisories, which is intended to improve aviation safety (Section 4(a)(1)).
-
Safety-Enhancing Technology: The bill establishes performance standards for equipment that provides visual and aural traffic advisories for flight crews while airborne and on airport surfaces (Section 4(a)(3)(A)).
-
Low-Cost Options for Small Aircraft: For aircraft under 12,500 pounds, the Administrator must determine low-cost alternative equipment, such as portable receivers or electronic flight bags, to satisfy requirements (Section 4(e)).
-
Greater Government Accountability: The act narrows the "sensitive government mission" exception so it no longer covers routine, non-classified, or proficiency flights, and requires monthly reports to Congress for missions in Class B airspace (Section 3(a)(1)).
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Airspace Safety Reviews: The FAA will conduct safety reviews of flight operations at Class B, C, and D airports to evaluate risks to commercial transport airplane operations (Section 7(b)(2)).
-
Improved Agency Coordination: The creation of the Office of FAA-DOD Coordination and new Memorandums of Understanding between the FAA and military departments aim to mitigate risk in the national airspace system through shared safety information (Section 7(a) and Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Equipment Costs and Deadlines: Aircraft operators must equip their aircraft with ADS-B In by December 31, 2031, which may impose a financial burden on owners (Section 4(a)(2)(B)).
-
Strict Compliance Requirements: Operators who fail to comply with the final rule may be subject to strict deadlines, though some may apply for a one-year extension if they meet specific criteria (Section 4(d)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Narrows government mission exceptions for ADS-B and mandates reporting and audits of government flights. Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases FAA authority to mandate equipment and conduct audits of military operations.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Directs funding and research for the deployment of ACAS-X technology.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Mandatory equipment upgrades for ADS-B In may impose financial burdens on small aircraft operators.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — Includes air traffic controller and pilot unions in the rulemaking process. Would business owners be better off under this? — Aircraft owners and operators face new mandatory equipment costs.
- 2/24/2026
- 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).
- 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)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/23/2026
- 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.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 12/18/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 12/17/2025
- Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8811-8817)
- The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8813-8817)
- 12/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/20/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 11/18/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 269.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 7/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Jerry MoranRepublican · Kansas
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia
Todd YoungRepublican · Indiana