Rep. Mann Votes for Passage of Comprehensive Aviation Safety Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advance H.R. 7613, the ALERT Act. This legislation, which Rep. Mann cosponsors, is the most comprehensive modernization to aviation safety in decades and directly addresses the probable causes and contributing factors of the January 29, 2025 DCA collision. The bill was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 396 to 10. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote. 

"For Kansans, this legislation is deeply personal,” said Rep. Mann. “American Eagle Flight 5342 originated in Wichita, and our state will never forget the lives lost, the families forever changed, or the grief felt across our state. The ALERT Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan response that addresses the root causes identified by the NTSB and strengthens safety across our airspace to ensure no families have to experience that tragedy again. This legislation will modernize safety systems, improve airspace coordination, and enhance oversight to better protect the flying public going forward.”

The ALERT Act: 

• Implements all 50 safety recommendations from the NTSB to address the root causes of the DCA collision and strengthen aviation safety nationwide
• Requires advanced collision avoidance technology, including ADS-B In and next-generation ACAS Xa systems, to enhance pilot awareness and prevent midair collisions
• Improves coordination across the national airspace by strengthening communication and situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers
• Enhances air traffic control training, procedures, and oversight to promote a stronger safety culture and reduce risk
• Increases transparency and accountability by establishing new data tracking systems, a public safety dashboard, and improved FAA oversight mechanisms

Rep. Mann emphasized how important this legislation is to Kansans during the bill's debate on the House floor. In March, Rep. Mann supported its passage during the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee bill markup. 

H.R. 7613 will now go to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

###