ROTOR Act

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Bill ID: 119/s/2503
Last Updated: April 9, 2026

Sponsored by

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

ID: C001098

Follow the money

The bill

ROTOR Act

S. 2503, 119th Congress β€” read as touching Aerospace (Commercial).

The sponsor

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$1,525,021 raised

30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 264 - 133 (Roll no. 72).

February 23, 2026

Introduced

πŸ“ Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

πŸ›οΈ

Committee Review

πŸ—³οΈ

Floor Action

βœ…

Passed Senate

πŸ›οΈ

House Review

πŸŽ‰

Passed Congress

πŸ–ŠοΈ

Presidential Action

βš–οΈ

Became Law

πŸ“š 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 masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this ROTOR Act, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to improve aviation safety by requiring all aircraft to be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In). Because, you know, safety is a great selling point for politicians who want to look like they care. The real purpose, of course, is to create more regulatory hurdles and opportunities for bureaucratic growth.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill revises the exception for ADS-B Out transmission, clarifying that "sensitive government mission" doesn't include proficiency evaluations or training missions within Class B or C airspace. Oh, how convenient. It also requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue guidance on using alternative technologies like Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B) and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Because, you know, the FAA wasn't already doing that.

The bill also mandates reports from agencies operating ADS-B Out equipment, because nothing says "transparency" like more paperwork. And, of course, there's a sunset clause, because Congress loves to create temporary solutions to permanent problems.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and government agencies will be affected by this bill. But let's be real, the only stakeholders who truly matter are the politicians and bureaucrats who get to expand their empires with more regulations and oversight.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The ROTOR Act will likely increase costs for aircraft manufacturers and owners, as they'll need to equip their planes with ADS-B In technology. This might lead to higher ticket prices for consumers, but hey, safety is worth it, right? The bill may also create more bureaucratic red tape, slowing down innovation in the aviation industry.

But don't worry, folks! The real impact will be on the politicians who get to tout this bill as a "safety measure" while lining their pockets with campaign donations from the aviation lobby. It's a win-win for everyone involved – except, of course, for the taxpayers and consumers who'll foot the bill.

In conclusion, the ROTOR Act is just another example of Congress's favorite game: "Regulatory Theater." It's a show designed to impress the gullible public while enriching the politicians and their cronies. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch this farce unfold.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

πŸ’° Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Congress 119 β€’ 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$1,525,021
23 donors
PACs
$1,497,892
Organizations
$27,129
Committees
$0
Individuals
$0
1
WINRED
2 transactions
$1,497,892
1
FASKEN MANAGEMENT
1 transaction
$10,000
2
REPUBLICAN PARTY OF HARRISON COUNTY
1 transaction
$4,000
3
FOLAD ENTERPRISES LLC
1 transaction
$2,000
4
JOHNSEY
7 transactions
$1,854
5
BALCH & BINGHAM LLP
1 transaction
$1,000
6
PARTNERS HOTEL GROUP LLC
1 transaction
$1,000
7
KHAT INVESTMENS LLC
1 transaction
$1,000
8
PJB INVESTMENT ADVISORS LLC
1 transaction
$800
9
GRANT MORELAND LP LLC
1 transaction
$750
10
BL PARTNERS GROUP LLC
1 transaction
$750
11
MILLE'S LLC
1 transaction
$500
12
HARRY M BETTIS JR LLC
1 transaction
$500
13
ROBDON L.P.
1 transaction
$500
14
JAMES E. JOHNSON LLC
1 transaction
$500
15
FALSE RIVER VIEW LLC
1 transaction
$500
16
MURDOCK PROPERTIES LLC
1 transaction
$325
17
RESEDA HOLDINGS LLC
1 transaction
$250
18
DIXON RENTAL PROPERTIES LLC
1 transaction
$250
19
ROGERS LIVESTOCK LLC
1 transaction
$250
20
MISRASI CONCRETE LLC
1 transaction
$200
21
JOUETT LLC
1 transaction
$100
22
FORCE CONSTRUCTION OF LA LLC
1 transaction
$100

No committee contributions found

No individual contributions found

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

ID: M000934

Top Contributors

10

1
BORCK, LEON H.
INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualMANHATTAN, KS
$6,600
Mar 11, 2024
2
MANDELBLATT, DANIELLE
DMM PROPRIETA MANAGEMENT β€’ MANAGER
IndividualASPEN, CO
$6,600
Sep 26, 2024
3
MANDELBLATT, ERIC
SOROBAN CAPITAL PARTNERS LP β€’ MANAGING PARTNER
IndividualASPEN, CO
$6,600
Sep 26, 2024
4
CATZ, SAFRA
ORACLE CORPORATION β€’ CEO
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$5,000
May 5, 2023
5
MISSION INDIANS, MORONGO BAND OF
INDIAN TRIBE β€’ INDIAN TRIBE
IndividualBANNING, CA
$5,000
Aug 13, 2024
6
WILLIS, THOMAS M
CONESTOGA ENERGY PARTNERS β€’ CEO
IndividualLIBERAL, KS
$5,000
Aug 26, 2024
7
WEILERT, STANLEY R
S&B MOTELS, INC. β€’ HOTELIER
IndividualWICHITA, KS
$3,500
Jun 26, 2023
8
BORCK, JACKIE
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY β€’ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
IndividualMANHATTAN, KS
$3,300
Mar 11, 2024
9
BORCK, JACKIE
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY β€’ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
IndividualMANHATTAN, KS
$3,300
Mar 11, 2024
10
THOMAS, ROBERT
SENIOR STAR β€’ CO-OWNER
IndividualTULSA, OK
$3,300
Feb 22, 2024

Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

ID: B001243

Top Contributors

10

1
FRIENDS OF COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY PAC
PACVIRGINIA BEACH, VA
$5,000
Apr 12, 2023
2
THE COGGIN GROUP
OrganizationMURFREESBORO, TN
$2,900
Mar 9, 2023
3
THE COGGIN GROUP
OrganizationMURFREESBORO, TN
$2,500
Mar 9, 2023
4
DOSS BROTHERS FARM
OrganizationLAWRENCEBURG, TN
$1,000
Apr 17, 2024
5
DOSS BROTHERS FARM
OrganizationLAWRENCEBURG, TN
$1,000
Mar 18, 2024
6
BL PARTNERS GROUP LLC
OrganizationARLINGTON, VA
$500
Mar 17, 2023
7
KING, RODNEY W.
SELF-EMPLOYED β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualGERMANTOWN, TN
$13,200
Apr 4, 2024
8
BEAN, BILL G.
HANNING & BEAN ENTERPRISES INC. β€’ REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
IndividualCOLUMBIA CITY, IN
$10,000
May 1, 2024
9
SMITH, THOMAS
PRESCOTT INVESTORS INC. β€’ INVESTOR
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$10,000
May 13, 2024
10
GAMBLE, KATHRYN
UNAKA CO β€’ BUSINESS EXECUTIVE
IndividualDALLAS, TX
$9,900
Jul 15, 2024

Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

ID: B001305

Top Contributors

10

1
MACFARLANE, RON
IndividualBUFFALO GROVE, IL
$13,068
Apr 10, 2024
2
HEGYI, ALBERT P MR.
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Dec 31, 2024
3
NAZIROV, ATABEK
UZDIF β€’ CEO
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$6,600
Sep 14, 2023
4
NAZIROV, ATABEK
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$6,600
Sep 26, 2023
5
FROST, BRANT IV
SELF-EMPLOYED β€’ FINANCIAL SERVICES
IndividualNEWNAN, GA
$3,300
Dec 31, 2024
6
FROST, KRISTA
HOMEMAKER β€’ HOMEMAKER
IndividualNEWNAN, GA
$3,300
Dec 31, 2024
7
TAYLOR, WILLIAM MR.
VETERANS GUARDIAN VA CLAIM CONSULTING β€’ BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualPINEHURST, NC
$3,300
Dec 7, 2023
8
TAYLOR, WILLIAM MR.
VETERANS GUARDIAN VA CLAIM CONSULTING β€’ BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualPINEHURST, NC
$3,300
Dec 7, 2023
9
GREENBLATT, SCOTT MR.
VETERANS GUARDIAN β€’ CEO
IndividualPINEHURST, NC
$3,300
Dec 8, 2023
10
GREENBLATT, SCOTT MR.
VETERANS GUARDIAN β€’ CEO
IndividualPINEHURST, NC
$3,300
Dec 8, 2023

Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

ID: C001047

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$2,800
Dec 31, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Nov 8, 2023
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jul 22, 2024
4
ARNOLD, JOHN MR.
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023
5
MANOCHERIAN, JENNIFER MS.
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualSCARSDALE, NY
$6,600
Feb 17, 2023
6
MANOCHERIAN, JED MR.
SELF β€’ REAL ESTATE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Feb 23, 2023
7
MANOCHERIAN, GREG MR.
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ REAL ESTATE
IndividualPOUND RIDGE, NY
$6,600
Mar 1, 2023
8
MANOCHERIAN, KIM
PANAM EQUITIES β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 27, 2023
9
KAY, ALISON MS.
KIDS CAPITAL β€’ HEDGE FUND MANAGER
IndividualBEVERLY HILLS, CA
$6,600
Jun 20, 2023
10
MANDELBLATT, DANIELLE
DMM PROPRIETA MANAGEMENT β€’ MANAGER
IndividualASPEN, CO
$6,600
Sep 26, 2024

Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]

ID: M001198

Top Contributors

10

1
THE KROGER CO. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
PACCINCINNATI, OH
$3,000
Mar 16, 2023
2
THE KROGER CO. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
PACCINCINNATI, OH
$2,500
Mar 23, 2023
3
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$2,500
Mar 31, 2023
4
THE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE FERTILIZER INSTITUTE
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$1,500
Mar 31, 2023
5
ILLIG, MICHAEL
TIFEC LLC β€’ PRIVATE EQUITY
IndividualLEAWOOD, KS
$13,200
Nov 3, 2024
6
MADAY, GREG
SPECCHEM β€’ CHAIRMAN CEO
IndividualMISSION HILLS, KS
$13,200
Nov 11, 2024
7
ILLIG, BONNE
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualLEAWOOD, KS
$6,600
Nov 2, 2024
8
ILLIG, AMY
HOMEMAKER β€’ HOMEMAKER
IndividualLEAWOOD, KS
$6,600
Nov 12, 2024
9
MADAY, LIZ
SPECCHEM β€’ DIRECTOR
IndividualMISSION HILLS, KS
$6,600
Nov 12, 2024
10
MAXWELL, KORB II
POLSINELLI β€’ SHAREHOLDER
IndividualFAIRWAY, KS
$6,600
Nov 3, 2024

Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

ID: S001227

Top Contributors

10

1
ELEVATE MISSOURI
OrganizationKANSAS CITY, MO
$5,000
Jun 30, 2024
2
TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA TRIBE
OrganizationBELCOURT, ND
$2,900
Jun 24, 2021
3
PETER J SPALITTO DDS PC
OrganizationDES PERES, MO
$2,900
Aug 1, 2024
4
ELEVATE MISSOURI
OrganizationKANSAS CITY, MO
$1,700
Jun 30, 2024
5
KIRKWOOD PLUMBING INC
OrganizationKIRKWOOD, MO
$500
Aug 1, 2024
6
WALTON, TROY
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualGLEN CARBON, IL
$11,600
Jun 3, 2021
7
PFAUTCH, ROY
CIVIL SERVICE INC β€’ CONSULTANT
IndividualST. LOUIS, MO
$11,600
Dec 31, 2023
8
ROSS, DONALD
ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS INC β€’ VICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$10,000
Mar 3, 2022
9
TAYLOR, ANDREW
ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR β€’ CEO
IndividualST LOUIS, MO
$6,600
Oct 15, 2024
10
TAYLOR, BARBARA
HOMEMAKER β€’ HOMEMAKER
IndividualST LOUIS, MO
$6,600
Oct 15, 2024

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

ID: S001232

Top Contributors

10

1
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
2
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
3
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
4
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
5
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
6
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
7
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
8
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
9
REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (RJC-PAC)
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,000
Jun 25, 2024
10
REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (RJC-PAC)
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,000
Jun 25, 2024

Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]

ID: Y000064

Top Contributors

10

1
HESS, DANIEL L.
CORNERSTONE INDUSTRIES CORP. β€’ PRESIDENT/ OWNER
IndividualZIONSVILLE, IN
$10,000
Jul 1, 2024
2
SHUBLAK, MARK I.
ICE MILLER LLP β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN
$6,600
Oct 20, 2023
3
MCLEAN, SUZZY
SAGESURE β€’ INSURANCE
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$6,600
Oct 23, 2024
4
MCLEAN, TERRENCE
SAGESURE β€’ INSURANCE
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$6,600
Oct 23, 2024
5
BESSENT, SCOTT K.
KEY SQUARE GROUP β€’ INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
IndividualCHARLESTON, SC
$6,600
Mar 28, 2024
6
PATRICELLI, ROBERT E.
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualSIMSBURY, CT
$6,600
Mar 1, 2024
7
ANDREESSEN, MARC L.
ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ β€’ CO-FOUNDER
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$6,600
Sep 30, 2024
8
BRALY, DOUGLAS A. MR.
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ ACCOUNTANT
IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN
$6,600
Sep 4, 2024
9
DIXON, CHRISTOPHER
ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ β€’ GENERAL PARTNER
IndividualPALO ALTO, CA
$6,600
Sep 30, 2024
10
HESS, LEANNA
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualZIONSVILLE, IN
$6,600
Aug 19, 2024

Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

ID: C000127

Top Contributors

10

1
SAC FOX TRIBE
OrganizationTAMA, IA
$5,000
Oct 29, 2024
2
LOWER ELWHA KLALLAM TRIBE
OrganizationPORT ANGELES, WA
$3,360
Mar 31, 2023
3
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationHIGHLAND, CA
$3,300
Oct 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationHIGHLAND, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
5
SAN PABLO LYTTON TRIBE
OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA
$3,300
Nov 16, 2023
6
SAN PABLO LYTTON TRIBE
OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA
$3,300
Nov 16, 2023
7
SAULT STE MARIE TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS
OrganizationSAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI
$3,300
Dec 14, 2023
8
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
OrganizationSALAMANCA, NY
$3,300
Dec 14, 2023
9
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationAUBURN, WA
$3,300
May 12, 2023
10
NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationOLYMPIA, WA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023

Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]

ID: D000622

Top Contributors

10

1
AMERICAN EXPRESS
OrganizationNEWARK, NJ
$6,132
Feb 7, 2023
2
AMERICAN EXPRESS
OrganizationNEWARK, NJ
$605
Mar 3, 2023
3
CITIBUSINESS CARD
OrganizationCOLUMBUS, OH
$347
Jan 10, 2023
4
CITIBUSINESS CARD
OrganizationCOLUMBUS, OH
$254
Feb 7, 2023
5
AMERICAN EXPRESS
OrganizationNEWARK, NJ
$98
Jan 10, 2023
6
CITIBUSINESS CARD
OrganizationCOLUMBUS, OH
$74
Mar 3, 2023
7
KELLY, MICHAEL
WALKUP LAW FIRM β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Oct 7, 2024
8
LISTER, AMANDA
N/A β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
9
SUMEY, ROGER
IndividualELLICOTT CITY, MD
$3,300
Oct 11, 2023
10
CHEN, QIANHUI
RENAISSANCE TECHNOLOGIES LLC β€’ ANALYST
IndividualSETAUKET, NY
$3,300
Mar 2, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 49 nodes and 45 connections (37 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $1,594,289

Top Donors - Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

1 PAC22 Orgs

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped.

  • Section 4(a)(1) requires aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out to also have ADS-B In, creating demand for avionics manufacturers and aircraft equipment suppliers, benefiting aerospace commercial sector.

  • +Airlinesconfidence 0.90

    Section 4(a)(1) requires ADS-B In equipment for aircraft required to have ADS-B Out, which includes commercial transport airplanes operated by airlines, improving safety and potentially reducing delays; Section 7(b) safety reviews of airports including commercial transport airplane operations benefit airlines by mitigating risks from military/rotorcraft operations near airports like Reagan National.

  • +Defense Contractorsconfidence 0.85

    Sections 3, 4, 7, 8 involve coordination with Department of Defense, FAA-DOD information sharing, and safety reviews of military aircraft operations, likely increasing contracts for defense contractors.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β€” they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

  • Airlines$106,812
    from 538 contributions
    • WINGATE, HEATHER$9,800
    • GATTEN, NATHAN$8,300
    • CALIO, NICK E.$6,600
    • MANBER, MARK$5,125
    • BASTIAN, EDWARD MR.$3,300
  • from 452 contributions
    • BEN-AVI, DORON$3,300
    • HENSLEY, STEVEN$3,300
    • FUHR, PEGGY L. MS.$2,500
    • BARTENS, ANTHONY$1,000
    • COPELAND, TODD$1,000
  • from 83 contributions
    • BIEGUN, STEPHEN$3,300
    • OJAKLI, ZIAD$3,300
    • MCLEMORE, THOMAS$3,000
    • SUTTON, HOWARD$2,000
    • SIMMONS, ROBERT$2,000

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