Kean, Amo introduce bipartisan Drone Safety Enhancement Act to boost research on autonomous aviation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-N.J.) and Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) on Friday introduced the Drone Safety Enhancement Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening federal research on drones and advancing the future of autonomous aviation.
The legislation is designed to expand research and development across federal agencies to improve drone safety, modernize the national airspace system, and support advanced air mobility technologies. The bill also bolsters ongoing work at federal aviation research hubs, including the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace in New Jersey.
“As technology rapidly advances and drones become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is critical that air traffic for these systems is managed safely and transparently,” said Kean. “I introduced the Drone Safety Enhancement Act with Representative Amo to direct the research needed to modernize our national airspace and support responsible integration of emerging technologies. Continued R&D in autonomous aviation is vital to America’s competitiveness and to guaranteeing our airspace remains safe, efficient, and prepared for the future.”
Amo said the effort will help ensure the federal government works closely with industry, researchers, and partner agencies.
“I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Drone Safety Enhancement Act with Congressman Tom Kean to ensure the federal government is collaborating across agencies and with leaders in academia and industry to enhance our understanding of drones and advanced air mobility,” Amo said. “We must harness emerging technologies for good.”
Under the bill, NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other relevant federal agencies would be required to coordinate research on unmanned aircraft systems, unmanned aircraft traffic management, and autonomous aviation capabilities. The legislation also mandates congressional briefings on research progress 18 months after enactment.
