H.R. 6460
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor
Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
Bill Details
- Update Date
- Apr 2, 2026
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Bill Type
- HR
- Bill Number
- 6,460
- Congress
- 119
- Introduced Date
- Dec 4, 2025
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Is Law
- No
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Source: Senate
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: House floor actions
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
Source: House floor actions
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
Source: Library of Congress
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
Source: House floor actions
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
Source: House floor actions
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Source: House floor actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Source: House floor actions
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Source: House floor actions
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Source: Library of Congress
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Source: House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Source: House committee actions
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Source: House committee actions
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Source: House committee actions
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Source: House floor actions
Introduced in House
Source: Library of Congress
Introduced in House
Source: Library of Congress
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.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee