Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Aviation Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act seeks to clarify and expand the permissible operating areas for limited recreational unmanned aircraft. It specifically amends Section 44809(c)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, which outlines exceptions for such operations. The bill modifies the existing language to explicitly include certain Class E airspace , such as Class E airspace above Class G airspace, and Class E airspace designated as an extension to various controlled surface areas. This legislative change aims to provide recreational drone operators with greater flexibility by permitting operations in these additional Class E airspaces, alongside the already permitted Class G airspace, thereby empowering more widespread recreational drone use.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Transportation and Public Works
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAviation and airportsLicensing and registrationsTransportation safety and security
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
USA119th CongressHR-6460| House
| Updated: 3/25/2026
The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act seeks to clarify and expand the permissible operating areas for limited recreational unmanned aircraft. It specifically amends Section 44809(c)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, which outlines exceptions for such operations. The bill modifies the existing language to explicitly include certain Class E airspace , such as Class E airspace above Class G airspace, and Class E airspace designated as an extension to various controlled surface areas. This legislative change aims to provide recreational drone operators with greater flexibility by permitting operations in these additional Class E airspaces, alongside the already permitted Class G airspace, thereby empowering more widespread recreational drone use.