Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. FIGURES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6460, bipartisan legislation introduced by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann) and the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids).

The FAA reports there are more than 370,000 registered recreational drones in the U.S. However, the FAA's new interpretation of language in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and 2024 has now restricted these authorized recreational drone users to only class E2 airspace, airspace designated for airports.

This restriction was not the intent of Congress and leaves many lawful drone users unable to frequent the spaces that they are used to flying in and doing so safely.

Without change, there will likely be significant confusion amongst recreational hobbyists who are simply trying to do what they have always been allowed to do.

The bipartisan H.R. 6460 makes a technical correction to the current statute, authorizing the FAA, through its existing approval process, to permit eligible recreational drone flights in certain class E controlled airspace.

To clarify, this bill would not automatically allow for recreational drone flights near airports or higher altitude operations in uncontrolled airspace. Recreational drone operators would still be required to comply with the FAA's safety requirements and to go through the agency's approval process.

This bill will help reduce some confusion for recreational drone operators to ensure safety and clarifies the FAA's authorization process for these drone flights. I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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Mr. FIGURES. Madam Speaker, recreational drone use is a rapidly growing pastime here in America, and we must put in place sufficient guardrails for safety. That is why I support H.R. 6460 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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