Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
Introduced Dec 4, 2025 by Rep. Tracey Mann
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Mar 25, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Mar 24, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
- Mar 24, 2026Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Mar 24, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
- Mar 24, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 24, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
- Mar 24, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Mar 16, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
- Mar 16, 2026Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
- Dec 18, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Dec 18, 2025Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Dec 18, 2025Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
- Dec 5, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Dec 4, 2025Introduced in House
- Dec 4, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.