House bill · 119th Congress
H.R. 3196: Improving Helicopter Safety Act of 2025
Would require tracking equipment on helicopters flying in crowded airspace and new route rules near major airports.
Introduced May 6, 2025 by Rep. Dana Whitfield [D-MI-4] · 1 cosponsors · Transportation and Public Works
Introduced
A member formally files the measure.
In committee
A committee studies it and can change it.
Passed one chamber (current)
The originating chamber votes yes.
Passed both chambers
The other chamber passes the same text.
To the President
Signed, vetoed, or left to become law.
The House passed this measure. The Senate has not voted on it. There has been no recorded activity for more than six months, so it is unlikely to move again this Congress.
No recorded activity in more than six months.
Plain language explanation
AI generated, reviewed by a human editorH.R. 3196 would require helicopters operating in Class B airspace to carry and operate approved position reporting equipment. The House passed the bill on January 21, 2026 by a vote of 384 to 41, and it is now before the Senate Commerce Committee.
Not established in the record:
- When the Senate committee will act on the bill.
What this measure does
Helicopters flying in the busiest airspace would have to carry equipment that reports where they are, and the FAA would have to redraw helicopter routes that cross airplane landing paths.
Engrossed in House · January 23, 2026
What this means where you live
Congress.gov holds the text, actions and votes for H.R. 3196. District level effects and your representative's position are held by HouseConnect.
Reading a measure
Start with the plain-language summary and the status tracker. Every statement links back to the official action or bill text it came from, so you can check anything you read.
Glossary of legislative terms