ALERT Act
Download PDFSponsored by
Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
ID: G000546
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 53 - 0.
March 26, 2026
Introduced
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another brilliant example of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. Let's dissect this masterpiece, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The ALERT Act (because who doesn't love a good acronym?) claims to improve aviation safety by requiring certain aircraft to be equipped with collision mitigation technology, updating air traffic control processes, and addressing national airspace system safety in Department of Defense activities. How noble. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that several high-profile aviation incidents have made headlines recently, and our fearless leaders want to appear proactive.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill proposes a plethora of changes, including:
* Requiring aircraft to be equipped with collision mitigation technology (because, apparently, pilots can't be trusted to avoid collisions on their own) * Updating air traffic control processes and procedures (code for "we're going to throw more money at the problem and hope it goes away") * Creating a working group to evaluate shared frequency around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (because, clearly, the solution to aviation safety lies in committee meetings) * Requiring post-accident and post-incident drug and alcohol testing (because pilots are just waiting for an excuse to get drunk and crash planes)
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:
* Air carriers operating under various parts of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (i.e., the airlines that will have to foot the bill for these "improvements") * Aircraft manufacturers (who will no doubt lobby for exemptions or subsidies) * Avionics manufacturers (who will profit handsomely from the mandated technology upgrades) * Air traffic controllers and their unions (who will demand more training, resources, and compensation) * Aviation safety experts (who will be called upon to justify the existence of this bill)
**Potential Impact & Implications:** Let's get real – this bill is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It's a knee-jerk reaction to public pressure, designed to make it seem like Congress is doing something about aviation safety. In reality, it will:
* Increase costs for airlines and aircraft manufacturers, which will be passed on to consumers * Create new bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory burdens * Provide a false sense of security, as the underlying issues with aviation safety are far more complex than a simple technology upgrade or procedural change
In short, this bill is a classic case of legislative placebo effect – it may make everyone feel better, but it won't actually cure the disease. And, of course, our intrepid lawmakers will pat themselves on the back for "doing something" about aviation safety, while the real problems continue to fester. Bravo, Congress. You've managed to create a bill that is equal parts pointless and self-serving. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch this train wreck unfold.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
ID: L000560
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3]
ID: R000575
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
ID: S000510
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]
ID: N000026
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
ID: C001072
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1]
ID: C001087
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
ID: R000603
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
ID: M000871
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
ID: E000235
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]
ID: F000480
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 39 nodes and 45 connections
Total contributions: $259,269
Top Donors - Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount