The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on May 24 voted 36-0 to advance legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) that would ensure America’s leadership in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) by supporting research and development, improving interagency planning and coordination, and promoting domestic manufacturing.
“I’m proud to move [this bill] forward at this critical time where we face mounting global competition,” said Rep. Lucas, chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
The congressman on May 22 introduced the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act of 2023, H.R. 3560, which now heads to the full chamber for consideration.
If enacted, H.R. 3560 would establish a National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative to coordinate UAS activities and authorize a Network of Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research Institutes to be supported by federal research agencies, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Lucas’ staff.
Additionally, the measure would promote the development of voluntary standards for UAS, support and expand the U.S. workforce to integrate UAS across all sectors of the economy, and establish a data management strategy for scientific data, the summary says.
Among numerous other provisions, the bill would establish a counter-UAS center of excellence to support the work necessary to improve the nation’s abilities to respond to threats from adversaries using UAS, and support R&D activities at several federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“We’re already dangerously behind when it comes to the production of UAS. To say China has cornered this market is an understatement,” Rep. Lucas said. “This bill will develop strong, safe, and secure domestic UAS and AAM industries that will grow our economy and counter foreign threats.”