The ALERT Act aims to improve aviation safety by enhancing aircraft tracking and communication systems using ADS-B technology. It mandates that the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) collaborate on using collision prevention technology for DOD aircraft, particularly requiring ADS-B Out for DOD helicopters in national airspace. Exceptions are made for operational security and special missions. The bill also requires both military and civil aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B In technology by 2031. Additionally, it introduces measures for better air traffic control management, such as setting limits on work hours for supervisors, improving near-miss incident notifications, and reviewing helicopter routes near Washington National Airport.
Media outlets supportive of the ALERT Act highlight its potential to significantly enhance aviation safety by modernizing aircraft tracking systems. They praise the collaboration between the DOD and DOT to ensure military aircraft are equipped with advanced technology without compromising security. The act's focus on improving air traffic control operations and addressing near-miss incidents is also seen as a proactive step towards preventing accidents and increasing public confidence in air travel.
Critics of the ALERT Act argue that the implementation timeline is too extended, potentially delaying the benefits of improved safety measures. Concerns are raised about the costs associated with upgrading aircraft to ADS-B In technology, which could be burdensome for smaller airlines and private aircraft owners. Some also worry that the requirements might infringe on military operational flexibility, particularly for sensitive missions.
Based on the available data, there appears to be a low risk of conflicts of interest between Representative Sam Graves's campaign donors and the subject matter of H.R. 7613: ALERT Act. The top donor industries for Representative Graves are Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government, none of which directly overlap with the bill's subject matter. Additionally, the lobbying activity in the bill's policy area does not appear to be connected to Representative Graves's top donors. The largest lobbying expenditure was $50,000 by AON Service Corporation, but there is no indication of a direct connection to Representative Graves or the bill's subject matter. Therefore, the risk of a conflict of interest appears to be low.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AON SERVICE CORPORATION | FS VECTOR LLC | $50,000 |
| COLLEGE AVENUE STUDENT LOANS LLC | FS VECTOR LLC | $50,000 |
| CHANGENT (FKA NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP COLORADO) | CHANGENT (FKA NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP COLORADO) | $43,000 |
| GIMME SEAWEED | BALLARD PARTNERS | $40,000 |
| AVA LABS, INC. | FS VECTOR LLC | $30,000 |
| JRC INTEGRATED SYSTEMS INC. | VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES | $30,000 |
| EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO | VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES | $30,000 |
| EO SOLUTIONS LLC | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| EUCLID MORTGAGE INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC | FS VECTOR LLC | $20,000 |
| VALLEY FUND CORPORATION | VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES | $10,000 |
| CITY OF ANN ARBOR | DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC | $10,000 |
| FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. | BOLD STRATEGIES, LLC | $10,000 |
| SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY WEST | BOLD STRATEGIES, LLC | $10,000 |
| GPS INNOVATION ALLIANCE | GPS INNOVATION ALLIANCE | $10,000 |
| VENTURE GLOBAL LNG | BOLD STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Sam Graves, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)