HR 6460 119th Congress

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Summary

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace. Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization. The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors. The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is above Class G airspace; or designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.

Actions

2026-03-25T00:00:00

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

2026-03-24T00:00:00

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2026-03-24T00:00:00

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)

2026-03-24T00:00:00

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2026-03-24T00:00:00

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.

2026-03-24T00:00:00

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)

2026-03-24T00:00:00

Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2026-03-16T00:00:00

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.

2026-03-16T00:00:00

Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.

2026-03-16T00:00:00

Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.

2025-12-18T00:00:00

Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

2025-12-18T00:00:00

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

2025-12-18T00:00:00

Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged

2025-12-05T00:00:00

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

2025-12-04T00:00:00

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

2025-12-04T00:00:00

Introduced in House

2025-12-04T00:00:00

Introduced in House

Policy Areas

Transportation and Public Works

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Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

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