HR 8072
Safety in Shared Skies Act of 2026
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Bill overview
The Safety in Shared Skies Act of 2026 requires the Department of Defense to regularly test and certify the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast out transponder systems on its aircraft operating in U.S. airspace. The Department must establish uniform testing standards and report findings to Congress every 180 days, detailing any system failures. An Inspector General audit will assess compliance with these requirements, and the Inspector General will recommend whether the testing and reporting should continue. This legislation aims to improve the safety and reliability of air traffic control by ensuring these systems are functioning correctly.
Key provisions
- Establish uniform standards for testing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast out transponder systems.
- Require testing at least every 90 days.
- Mandate reporting of testing results and system failures to Congress.
- Require an Inspector General audit of the Department of Defense's compliance.
- The Inspector General will assess the need to extend the testing and reporting requirements.
Who is affected
- Department of Defense
- Aircraft operators within United States airspace
- Congress
- The Inspector General of the Department of Defense
Notable changes
- Introduces a regular testing and certification schedule for DoD aircraft transponders.
- Creates a formal reporting mechanism to Congress regarding system performance.
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 8072
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Defense to test and certify each automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast out transponder system on a Department of Defense aircraft that is operated in United States airspace, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Safety in Shared Skies Act of 2026
.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall—
conduct an audit to ensure the Secretary is in compliance with the testing and certification requirements under subsection (a); and
submit to Congress a report that includes—
the results of the audit; and
the recommendation of the Inspector General as to whether the reporting requirement under subsection (b) and the audit requirement under this subsection should be extended.