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Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
Legislative Progress
Momentum (last 30 days)
0
score
0 actions · 0 new cosponsors · 0 votes
Speed vs cohort
91pct
111d open
vs 10,940 other HR bills in the 119th — cohort avg 30d
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.
These links require the bill number to appear in the filing's source-reported specific issue text. Client expenses and lobbying-firm income are separate disclosure fields.
Filing registrants (4)
2026 · third_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Aviation Safety; International Aviation and Competitiveness Issues (Flags of Convenience, Labor Protections, Joint Venture Agreement); Pilot Training and Certifications; Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones; Brand New Air Traffic Control System and Air Traffic Management; Pilot Supply; Essential Air Service; Air Service to Rural Communities; FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R.3935) Oversight and Implementation; Single Pilot Operations; Flight Deck Recording; Cargo Flight Deck Barriers; The Fair and Open Skies Act (Radio Altimeter Interference Issues, Aircraft Certification, Aviation Workforce Development Grants); Safer Skies Act of 2025 (H.R. 2353); SAFER SKIES Act (S.3481); H.R. 1, The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (funding for ATC modernization, flight training); Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (H.R.6222; S.2503); Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R.2591; S. 3257); ALERT Act (H.R. 2953); Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025 (H.R.2592; S.3258); Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (H.R.3410; S.1759); Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R.6086); Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3012); True Shutdown Fairness Act (H.R.7322); Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 (H.R.6267); Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (H.R.6460); Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act (H.R.7501); Safe Skies Act of 2026 (H.R.7526); Airline Competition and Antitrust; Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act (S.3885); Safe Air on Airplanes Act (H.R.4994); Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization (H.R.5061); Runway incursions and ground vehicle safety; Keep America Flying Act (S. 3031); Cabin Air Safety Act of 2026 (S.5311)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Congress.gov source codes: 5000, H12200
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Bills with similar content found using semantic analysis.
Sources: Congress.gov
Client expense: $200,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2026 · third_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
S. 697, Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act S. 1045, Aviation Funding Stability Act H.R. 5451, Aviation Funding Stability Act H.R. 5455, Aviation Funding Stability Act H.R. 2932, Cutting Lead Exposure and Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act H.R. 4146, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act S. 2175, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act H.R. 3746, Rebuilding Americas Airport Infrastructure Act S. 1966, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3754, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3423, Facilities for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act S. 2503, ROTOR Act H.R. 6222, ROTOR Act S. 1071, National Defense Authorization Act H.R. 5371, Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 H.R. 6086, Aviation Funding Solvency Act H.R. 6427, Airport Regulatory Relief Act S. 3031, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R. 5851, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R. 4776, Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act H.R. 6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act H.R. 7553, Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act H.R. 7613, Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 S. 3929, Air Traffic Situational Awareness Act H.R. 8597, Air Traffic Situational Awareness Act H.R. 6168, Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act H.R. 8870, Build America 250 Act S. 5572, Modern Skies Act S. 5224, Runway Safe-T Act S. 5653, Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Small Community Air Service Airline Baggage Fees Airline Pilot Shortage and Flight Training Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Airport Infrastructure Funding Essential Air Service Program Small Community Air Service Development Program Contract Tower Program Airport Regulatory Relief Airport Ground Transportation Access and Fees Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Transition to Fluorine Free Fire Fighting Foam Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Permitting Reform 5G Network and Global Positioning System Advanced Air Mobility Airport and Airway Trust Fund Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Airport Noise Altimeter Retrofitting Airport Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leaded Avgas Transition Transportation of Organs Airport Fees ADS-B Data for Fee Collection Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill Airport Ground Vehicle Transponders Airborne Position Reference Tools Air Traffic Control Modernization Airport Runway and Surface Safety
Client expense: $1,185,964 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2026 · third_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry and the regulation of model aircraft and drones; H.R.6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act; FY2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R.9170); FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.8800/S.4784).
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2026 · second_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Aviation Safety; International Aviation and Competitiveness Issues (Flags of Convenience, Labor Protections, Joint Venture Agreement); Pilot Training and Certifications; Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones; Brand New Air Traffic Control System and Air Traffic Management; Pilot Supply; Essential Air Service; Air Service to Rural Communities; FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R.3935) Oversight and Implementation; Single Pilot Operations; Flight Deck Recording; Cargo Flight Deck Barriers; The Fair and Open Skies Act (Radio Altimeter Interference Issues, Aircraft Certification, Aviation Workforce Development Grants); Safer Skies Act of 2025 (H.R. 2353); SAFER SKIES Act (S.3481); H.R. 1, The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (funding for ATC modernization, flight training); Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (H.R.6222; S.2503); Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R.2591; S. 3257); ALERT Act (H.R. 2953); Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025 (H.R.2592; S.3258); Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (H.R.3410; S.1759); Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R.6086); Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3012); True Shutdown Fairness Act (H.R.7322); Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 (H.R.6267); Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (H.R.6460); Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act (H.R.7501); Safe Skies Act of 2026 (H.R.7526); Airline Competition and Antitrust; Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act (S.3885); Safe Air on Airplanes Act (H.R.4994); Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization (H.R.5061)
Client expense: $266,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2026 · second_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
H.R. 3746, Rebuilding Americas Airport Infrastructure Act; H.R. 7613,ALERT Act, S. 2503, ROTOR Act H.R. 4146/S. 2175, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act; S. 3700, FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 H.R. 6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act; H.R. 6427, Airport Regulatory Relief Act H.R. 6168, Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act; H.R. 3754/S. 1966, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 7553/S. 3885, Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act;H.R. 3410/S. 1759 Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act; H.R. 5451/S. 1045, Aviation Funding Stability Act; H.R. 5851/S. 3031, Keep America Flying Act; H.R. 6086, Aviation Funding Solvency Act; H.R. 6518/S. 3759, SAF Act; H.R. 9340, Ratepayer Protection Act; Airport operations safety (Runway SAFE-T Act); FY27 THUD Appropriations (H.R. 9170) Airport Infrastructure Funding; Airport Improvement Program; Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) Airport Terminal Program (ATP); Passenger Facility Charge; Air Traffic Control Modernization Federal Permitting Reform
Client expense: $775,201 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs & Border Protection
2026 · second_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
H.R. 1968, Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 H. Con. Res. 14, Establishing the congressional budget for FY 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034 S. Con. Res. 7, Setting forth the congressional budget for FY 2025 and Setting Forth the Appropriate budgetary levels for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2034 S. 697, Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act S. 1045, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 5451, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 5455, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 2932, Cutting Lead Exposure and Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act H.R. 4146, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act S. 2175, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act H.R. 3746, Rebuilding Americas Airport Infrastructure Act H.R. 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 S. 2882 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 H.R. 5061, Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act S. 1966, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3754, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3423, Facilities for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act S. 2503, ROTOR Act H.R. 6222, ROTOR Act S. 1071, National Defense Authorization Act H.R. 5371, Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 H.R. 6086, Aviation Funding Solvency Act H.R. 6427, Airport Regulatory Relief Act S. 3031, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R. 5851, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R. 4776, Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act H.R. 6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act H.R. 7553, Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act H.R. 7613, Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 S. 3929, Air Traffic Situational Awareness Act H.R. 8597, Air Traffic Situational Awareness Act H.R. 6168, Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Small Community Air Service Airline Baggage Fees Airline Pilot Shortage and Flight Training Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Airport Infrastructure Funding Essential Air Service Program Small Community Air Service Development Program Contract Tower Program Airport Regulatory Relief Airport Ground Transportation Access and Fees Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Transition to Fluorine Free Fire Fighting Foam Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 5G Network and Global Positioning System Advanced Air Mobility Airport and Airway Trust Fund Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Airport Noise Altimeter Retrofitting Airport Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leaded Avgas Transition Transportation of Organs Airport Fees ADS-B Data for Fee Collection Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill Airport Ground Vehicle Transponders Airborne Position Reference Tools Air Traffic Control Modernization Airport Runway and Surface Safety
2026 · second_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry and the regulation of model aircraft and drones; H.R.6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act; FY2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R.9170); FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.8800/S.4784).
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2026 · first_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Aviation Safety; International Aviation and Competitiveness Issues (Flags of Convenience, Labor Protections, Joint Venture Agreement); Pilot Training and Certifications; Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones; Brand New Air Traffic Control System and Air Traffic Management; Pilot Supply; Essential Air Service; Air Service to Rural Communities; FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R.3935) Oversight and Implementation; Single Pilot Operations; Flight Deck Recording; Cargo Flight Deck Barriers; The Fair and Open Skies Act (Radio Altimeter Interference Issues, Aircraft Certification, Aviation Workforce Development Grants); Safer Skies Act of 2025 (H.R. 2353); SAFER SKIES Act (S.3481); H.R. 1, The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (funding for ATC modernization, flight training); Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (H.R.6222; S.2503); Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R.2591; S. 3257); ALERT Act (H.R. 2953); Aviation Medical Transparency Act of 2025 (H.R.2592); Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (H.R.3410); Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R.6086); Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3012); True Shutdown Fairness Act (H.R.7322); Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 (H.R.6267); Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (H.R.6460); Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act (H.R.7501)
Client expense: $240,000 · Firm income: Not reported
2026 · first_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
H.R. 1968, Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 H. Con. Res. 14, Establishing the congressional budget for FY 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034 S. Con. Res. 7, Setting forth the congressional budget for FY 2025 and Setting Forth the Appropriate budgetary levels for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2034 S. 697, Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act S. 1045, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 5451, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 5455, Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 H.R. 2932, Cutting Lead Exposure and Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act H.R. 4146, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act S. 2175, Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act H.R. 3746, Rebuilding Americas Airport Infrastructure Act H.R. 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 S. 2882 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 H.R. 5061, Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act S. 1966, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3754, Dont Miss Your Flight Act H.R. 3423, Facilities for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act S. 2503, ROTOR Act H.R. 6222, ROTOR Act S. 1071, National Defense Authorization Act H.R. 5371, Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 H.R. 6086, Aviation Funding Solvency Act H.R. 6427, Airport Regulatory Relief Act S. 3031, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R.5851, Keep America Flying Act of 2026 H.R. 4776, Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act H.R. 6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act H.R. 7553, Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act H.R. 7613, Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Small Community Air Service Airline Baggage Fees Airline Pilot Shortage and Flight Training Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Airport Infrastructure Funding Essential Air Service Program Small Community Air Service Development Program Contract Tower Program Airport Regulatory Relief Airport Ground Transportation Access and Fees Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Transition to Fluorine Free Fire Fighting Foam Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 5G Network and Global Positioning System Advanced Air Mobility Airport and Airway Trust Fund Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Airport Noise Altimeter Retrofitting Airport Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leaded Avgas Transition Transportation of Organs Airport Fees ADS-B Data for Fee Collection Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill Airport Ground Vehicle Transponders Airborne Position Reference Tools
2026 · first_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry and the regulation of model aircraft and drones; H.R.1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L.119-21) implementation; H.R.6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act; FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R.4552/S.2465); H.R.7148, Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes (P.L.119-75); FY2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations; FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
2025 · fourth_quarter · Aviation/Airlines/Airports
Federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry and the regulation of model aircraft and drones; FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R.4552/S.2465); FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (S.2296/H.R.3838/P.L.119-60); H.R.1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L.119-21) implementation; H.R.6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act.
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
Congress.gov source codes: 1000, Intro-H
| House |
| Discharged from |
| December 18, 2025 |
| Transportation and Infrastructure Committee | House | Referred To | December 4, 2025 |
| December 4, 2025 |
Client expense: $1,172,100 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)
Client expense: $1,190,059 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT)