LIFT Act of 2025
Latest action (23 Jul 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4686, the LIFT Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Transportation to take several steps expanding the regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and emerging aviation technology. It requires the Secretary to issue a proposed rule within 30 days, and a final rule within six months, allowing routine "Beyond Visual Line of Sight" (BVLOS) drone operations, along with related safety metrics and reports on regulatory barriers. It also directs the Secretary to study whether U.S.-controlled drones flying over international waters could be exempted from rules designed for manned aircraft, and to report findings to Congress. The bill further requires deployment of artificial intelligence tools to speed review of drone waiver applications, establishes a grant-funded pilot program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and directs the Secretary to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones in national airspace integration.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Transportation and FAA, which would face new rulemaking and reporting deadlines; drone and eVTOL manufacturers and operators, especially U.S.-based companies; and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments eligible to apply for eVTOL pilot program grants, provided they partner with an experienced private-sector eVTOL company.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2025, by Rep. Jennifer Kiggans and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2025. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4686 do?
- H.R. 4686, the LIFT Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Transportation to take several steps expanding the regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and emerging aviation technology. It requires the Secretary to issue a proposed rule within 30 days, and a final rule within six months, allowing routine "Beyond Visual Line of Sight" (BVLOS) drone operations, along with related safety metrics and reports on regulatory barriers. It also directs the Secretary to study whether U.S.-controlled drones flying over international waters could be exempted from rules designed for manned aircraft, and to report findings to Congress. The bill further requires deployment of artificial intelligence tools to speed review of drone waiver applications, establishes a grant-funded pilot program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and directs the Secretary to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones in national airspace integration. The bill primarily affects the Department of Transportation and FAA, which would face new rulemaking and reporting deadlines; drone and eVTOL manufacturers and operators, especially U.S.-based companies; and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments eligible to apply for eVTOL pilot program grants, provided they partner with an experienced private-sector eVTOL company. The bill was introduced on July 23, 2025, by Rep. Jennifer Kiggans and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 4686 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2025, H.R. 4686 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4686?
- H.R. 4686 was sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Kiggans [R-VA2] (Republican-VA), with 8 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4686?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2025).
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