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McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

USA119th CongressS-4990| Senate 
| Updated: 7/15/2026
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (5)
Ruben Gallego (Democratic)John R. Curtis (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Mark Kelly (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation mandates the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a comprehensive review of existing regulations, policies, and guidance related to low-altitude airspace safety . Within six months, the FAA must identify appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements, consulting with various aviation stakeholders including helicopter operators, general aviation pilots, and air medical services. The review will specifically assess the effectiveness of current policies for marking and lighting temporary obstructions like slacklines and wires to prevent aircraft strikes. It will also consider improving aeronautical information products , such as Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), for better digital depiction and enhancing coordination with federal, state, and local land management agencies regarding low-altitude hazards. If current policies on temporary obstruction markings are found inadequate, the Administrator must update relevant FAA regulations, guidance, or policies within one year. Additionally, the FAA will examine the sufficiency of penalties for airspace violations and ways to improve outreach to non-aviation communities that may create hazards. Following the review, the Administrator is required to brief congressional committees on the findings, planned updates, and any legislative recommendations to further enhance low-altitude airspace safety.
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Timeline
Jul 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9695
Introduced in House
Jul 15, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 15, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • July 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9695
    Introduced in House


  • July 15, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 15, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9695: McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

USA119th CongressS-4990| Senate 
| Updated: 7/15/2026
This legislation mandates the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a comprehensive review of existing regulations, policies, and guidance related to low-altitude airspace safety . Within six months, the FAA must identify appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements, consulting with various aviation stakeholders including helicopter operators, general aviation pilots, and air medical services. The review will specifically assess the effectiveness of current policies for marking and lighting temporary obstructions like slacklines and wires to prevent aircraft strikes. It will also consider improving aeronautical information products , such as Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), for better digital depiction and enhancing coordination with federal, state, and local land management agencies regarding low-altitude hazards. If current policies on temporary obstruction markings are found inadequate, the Administrator must update relevant FAA regulations, guidance, or policies within one year. Additionally, the FAA will examine the sufficiency of penalties for airspace violations and ways to improve outreach to non-aviation communities that may create hazards. Following the review, the Administrator is required to brief congressional committees on the findings, planned updates, and any legislative recommendations to further enhance low-altitude airspace safety.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9695
Introduced in House
Jul 15, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 15, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • July 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9695
    Introduced in House


  • July 15, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 15, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (5)
Ruben Gallego (Democratic)John R. Curtis (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Mark Kelly (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transportation and Public Works

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9695: McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted