Senator Markey Secures Amendments in Aviation Safety Bill to Improve Transparency for DCA Plane Crash Victims’ Families

Washington (October 21, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Science, Commerce, and Transportation Committee, today successfully passed four amendments to theROTOR Act, bipartisan legislation from Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in response to the January collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional commercial jet operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that took the lives of 67 people. These amendments represent Senator Markey’s commitment to fighting for transparency for families of plane crash victims and improving aviation safety.
“TheROTOR Actis critical legislation to ensure that the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 never happens again,” said Senator Markey. “I am especially proud the legislation includes my amendments that ensure the victims’ families get the answers they deserve related to post-crash investigations and safety improvements. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the families, we are one step closer to a safer aviation system.”
Senator Markey helped secure four amendments to theROTOR Act:
Senator Markey is a long-time champion of aviation safety. In July, Senator Markey led 11 of his colleaguesin a letterto the FAA, demanding answers about how staffing cuts have impacted the agency’s safety mission. In response to the safety culture crisis at the Boeing Company, in April, Senator Markey introduced hisSafety Starts at the Top Act,which requires major aerospace manufacturers to include labor and aerospace safety experts on its Board of Directors.
###