WATCH: Davids Joins Flight 5342 Victims’ Families to Demand Action on Bipartisan Aviation Safety Legislation

September 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined more than 20 family members of the victims of Flight 5342, safety professionals, and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to urge immediate action on aviation safety legislation. The event marked more than 19 months since the tragic midair collision involving Flight 5342, which claimed 67 lives, including Kansans. “The victims’ families from last year’s horrific midair collision are still fighting to make sure no one else experiences the loss they’ve endured,” said Davids . “I’m proud to have worked alongside them and safety experts to pass bipartisan legislation that would make our skies safer, and we need to keep that momentum going. Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate need to come together, resolve the remaining differences, and get comprehensive aviation safety legislation to the President’s desk. These families have waited long enough, and I’m going to keep pushing until we get this done.” WATCH: Davids speaks following today’s press conference On January 29, 2025, Flight 5342 departed Wichita, KS (ICT), bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). As the flight approached its destination, it collided midair with a military training helicopter, tragically killing the two pilots, two flight attendants, and 60 passengers on the airplane, along with all three crew members aboard the helicopter. Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed Davids’ ALERT Act , bipartisan legislation she introduced to reduce the risk of future tragedies. The bill, which is supported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), would upgrade aircraft collision warning systems, strengthen air traffic controller training, improve airspace communication, review airspace congestion and airport capacity, and enhance military aviation safety. Davids also voted to support the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act – a bipartisan bill aimed at improving aviation safety standards. Although it failed to pass the U.S. House, it is supported by the victims’ families and safety professionals. Davids is working to bring the strongest provisions of both bills together and get commonsense aviation safety reforms signed into law. WATCH: Davids speaks on the U.S. House Floor about the impact of her ALERT Act Following the tragic collision, Davids has taken several additional steps to improve aviation safety and honor the lives lost: Met with the victims’ families in Wichita and pledged to be a voice for transparency and reform in the investigation. Pressed FAA and NTSB experts in a U.S. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on air traffic controller shortages and safety protocols. Toured the Olathe Air Traffic Control Center to highlight critical staffing needs and renew her call for increased investments in aviation safety infrastructure. Responded to initial NTSB recommendations with a commitment to act on any legislative fixes needed to keep passengers and crew safe. Pledged to act on recommendations from an initial NTSB investigative hearing on the tragic midair collision. Honored the one-year anniversary by submitting a statement into the Congressional Record pledging continued action to prevent future tragedies. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Aviation, has long championed bipartisan efforts to support innovation and strengthen aviation safety standards, including by helping pass into law a bipartisan FAA reauthorization . Issues : Transportation & Infrastructure