LIFT Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 24, 2025
Bottom line
The LIFT Act aims to accelerate the integration of advanced aviation technologies, specifically drones and eVTOL aircraft, into the national airspace by streamlining regulations, leveraging AI, and fostering domestic innovation.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue rules for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), establish safety metrics, explore international requirements, and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools for waiver reviews. It also establishes an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) integration pilot program and prioritizes U.S.-manufactured UAS in the national airspace.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue the bill will enhance American leadership in advanced aviation, foster economic growth, and improve public safety through expanded drone applications such as medical response and cargo transport. They contend it will reduce regulatory burdens that currently hinder innovation and the deployment of these critical technologies, while the inclusion of safety metrics and AI tools ensures a safe and efficient integration.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about the rapid pace of rulemaking, particularly the aggressive timelines for BVLOS operations, which could potentially compromise thorough safety assessments. They may also question the reliability and ethical implications of deploying AI in critical safety determinations and highlight the potential for unintended consequences in a complex national airspace system.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing for a thorough understanding of its provisions within a short timeframe.
Sec. 3(a)
Mandate for BVLOS Rulemaking
This provision directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a proposed rule within 30 days of enactment and a final rule within 6 months to enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems. This aims to significantly expand where and how drones can operate.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for accelerating drone integration, unlocking vast economic potential, and ensuring the United States remains a leader in advanced aviation technology by removing current operational limitations.
Critics contend
Critics may express concern over the aggressive timeline for developing complex safety regulations, suggesting it could compromise the thoroughness required to ensure public and aviation safety.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for rapid innovation and economic growth in the drone industry against the imperative for rigorous safety standards and public acceptance of expanded drone operations.
Sec. 3(b)
Establishment of BVLOS Safety Metrics and Barrier Identification
This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish metrics for assessing the performance and safety of BVLOS operations within 30 days. Additionally, within 180 days, the Secretary must identify any remaining regulatory barriers to BVLOS implementation and submit recommendations for addressing them to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Sec. 4
Addressing International Operating Requirements for UAS
This provision directs the Secretary of Transportation to explore options for unmanned aircraft systems operating over the high seas within U.S. flight information regions to do so without being subject to the requirements applicable to manned aircraft engaging in international navigation. It also requires identifying barriers and submitting legislative recommendations to Congress.
Sec. 5
AI Deployment for UAS Waiver Application Review
This section mandates that within 120 days, the Secretary of Transportation must initiate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in and expedite the review of UAS waiver applications under existing regulations. These AI tools are intended to support performance- and risk-based evaluations, identify precedents, recommend mitigation measures, and help identify categories of operations that may warrant further rulemaking to eliminate the need for individual waivers.
Sec. 6
Establishment of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program
This section directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to establish an eVTOL integration pilot program. This program will provide grants to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to carry out projects accelerating the deployment of safe eVTOL operations in the United States, with a preference for U.S.-based entities and diverse operational models.
Sec. 7
Prioritization of U.S.-Manufactured UAS
This provision directs the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize the integration of unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in the United States into the national airspace system over those manufactured outside the United States, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The Secretary of Transportation shall prioritize the integration of unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in the United States into the national airspace system over unmanned aircraft systems manufactured outside of the United States to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Sec. 7
Why it matters:This phrasing is standard legislative practice to acknowledge existing legal constraints, such as international trade agreements or domestic procurement laws. However, it also means the practical impact of the prioritization is contingent on complex legal analysis, which may not be immediately apparent to a casual reader.
Case for: Supporters argue that this qualifier ensures the provision operates within existing legal frameworks, preventing immediate legal challenges and allowing for a phased implementation that respects international obligations while still promoting domestic industry.
Case against: Critics might contend that this phrase could render the prioritization less effective if existing trade laws or international agreements significantly limit its application, creating uncertainty for industry and potentially undermining the stated goal of boosting U.S. manufacturing.
Estimated impact: The ultimate impact on the UAS market and international trade relations is potentially significant, depending on how 'to the maximum extent permitted by law' is interpreted and applied by the Department of Transportation and other relevant agencies.