(Washington, DC) – Today at a House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology markup, the Committee passed H.R. 3560, the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act, with bipartisan support.
The bill will provide for a coordinated federal initiative across research and mission agencies to support unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research and development activities and ensure U.S. leadership in UAS and advanced air mobility technologies (AAM).
With the demand for drones from businesses and government only getting larger, the UAS market is expected to grow to more than $63 billion by 2025 - up from $5 billion in 2018. And as one single Chinese drone manufacturer with ties to the Chinese Communist Party currently controls the market, it is critical for both economic development and national security to advance and strengthen the domestic drone industry.
“We’re already dangerously behind when it comes to the production of UAS. To say China has cornered this market is an understatement,” said Chairman Lucas. “This bill will develop strong, safe, and secure domestic UAS and AAM industries that will grow our economy and counter foreign threats. I want to thank Ranking Member Lofgren for working with me to put together a strong bipartisan bill. I’m proud to move it forward at this critical time where we face mounting global competition.”
“I’m glad to have moved another bipartisan bill through the Science Committee,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “The bill we passed today represents a strong collaborative effort by Committee Members and staff on both sides of the aisle, and I thank them for their hard work. By supporting unmanned aircraft systems research and development, we are putting our best foot forward to bolster U.S. leadership in this burgeoning industry. This cross-cutting approach to supporting UAS involves many of our science agencies, and is key to our economic and national security. I thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership and look forward to passing this bill on the House floor soon.”