S.2503 — ROTOR Act
House Roll Call
S.2503
| Bill | S.2503 — ROTOR Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass |
| Vote type | 2/3 Yea-And-Nay |
| Result | Failed |
| Totals | Yea 264 / Nay 133 / Present 0 / Not Voting 35 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 77 | 132 | 0 | 9 |
| D | 187 | 1 | 0 | 26 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Bill Analysis
S. 2503 (119th Congress) – ROTOR Act
Status: Failed under suspension of the rules in the House (264–133; 2/3 required).
Purpose and Scope
The ROTOR Act is a targeted aviation safety and workforce bill focused on helicopter and other rotorcraft operations. It aims to improve safety standards, training, and oversight for rotorcraft used in commercial, public, and emergency services, while supporting the rotorcraft workforce pipeline.
Core Provisions
Safety and Training Standards:
- Directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update or refine rotorcraft-specific safety regulations, including operational, maintenance, and pilot training requirements.
- May require the FAA to develop or revise guidance and best practices for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), offshore operations, and other high‑risk rotorcraft missions.
Data, Reporting, and Oversight:
- Requires the FAA to collect and analyze rotorcraft incident and accident data, and to report to Congress on trends, causal factors, and recommended regulatory or policy changes.
- Could mandate periodic safety reviews or audits of certain rotorcraft operators.
Workforce and Training Pipeline:
- Authorizes initiatives to support rotorcraft pilot and mechanic training, potentially including grants, scholarships, or partnerships with flight schools and technical programs.
- Encourages recruitment and retention in rotorcraft careers, possibly with emphasis on veterans or underserved communities.
Funding and Authorities
- Provides specific authorizations of appropriations for FAA activities related to rotorcraft safety, data analysis, and workforce programs (exact dollar amounts and fiscal years specified in the bill text).
- Grants the FAA new or clarified authority to implement the required safety updates, data systems, and training initiatives.
Agencies and Stakeholders Affected
- Primary agency: Federal Aviation Administration.
- Beneficiaries: Rotorcraft pilots and mechanics; helicopter EMS providers; offshore, utility, and tour operators; and the flying public using rotorcraft services.
- Regulated entities: Part 135 and other rotorcraft operators subject to FAA oversight, as well as training providers.
Timelines
- Staggers implementation through deadlines (generally within 6–24 months of enactment) for FAA rulemakings, data system upgrades, and submission of reports to Congress.
- Some workforce or grant programs would begin upon appropriation and run for specified fiscal years.
Yea (264)
J
Jason Crow
L
Lloyd Doggett
J
John Garamendi
J
John Mannion
L
Lucy McBath
J
John Rutherford
P
Pete Sessions
E
Eric Swalwell
R
Rashida Tlaib
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Nay (133)
K
Ken Calvert
S
Scott Franklin
L
Lisa McClain
D
David Schweikert
Not Voting (35)
C
Christian Menefee
N
Nydia Velázquez
