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119-hr-4686119th Congress

LIFT Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

In Committee

Summary

Expands Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations to accelerate commercial and public use. The bill would also fast-track electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) pilot projects and require AI tools to speed waiver reviews and spot rulemaking needs.

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  • Requires the Department of Transportation to propose a BVLOS rule within 30 days and finalize it within 6 months, and to set BVLOS safety and performance metrics. This pushes a clear timeline for broader BVLOS approvals for operators and manufacturers.
  • Creates an eVTOL integration pilot program that offers grants to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to test medical, cargo, rural, and advanced air mobility uses. The program sets 90-day proposal windows and sunsets three years after the first pilot becomes operational.
  • Directs the Secretary to deploy AI within 120 days to assist Part 107 waiver reviews, identify mitigation measures, and flag recurring approval patterns for potential rulemaking. It also requires a study and report on international navigation barriers for UAS over the high seas.

Information from pilots must be shared with defense and homeland security agencies as appropriate.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster drone rules and approvals

If enacted, DOT would propose rules to allow routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone flights within 30 days. A final rule would be due within 6 months of enactment. DOT would set BVLOS safety and performance metrics within 30 days. Within 180 days, DOT would list barriers and send recommendations to the White House science office for quick action. Within 120 days, DOT would start using AI tools to help review drone waiver requests. The AI would assess risk, find similar cases, suggest mitigations, and follow OMB Memorandum M-25-21. DOT would also study using AI for exemption petitions under 49 U.S.C. 44807.

Grants to test electric air taxis

If enacted, DOT would create a pilot grant program for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services. DOT would issue a public request for proposals within 90 days of enactment. Proposals would be due 90 days later and must include a private eVTOL partner. DOT could select projects within 180 days of the request. Chosen sites would aim to start operations within 90 days of signing an agreement. Picks would favor U.S.-based tech, a mix of regions and economies, and uses like air mobility, medical, cargo, and rural access. Agreements would set goals, regulatory needs, timelines, and data sharing. DOT would report 180 days after selections and then yearly. Grants would end 3 years after the first pilot starts, unless extended in the national interest. DOT could share pilot data with Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and other agencies.

Priority for U.S.-made drones in airspace

If enacted, DOT would prioritize integrating drones made in the United States over foreign-made drones, as allowed by law. This would guide integration choices but would not provide funding or change buying rules.

Study on drone flights over high seas

If enacted, DOT would study how to let drones operate over the high seas under U.S. control without manned aircraft navigation rules. DOT would identify legal and operational barriers. DOT would send Congress a report with findings and any needed legislative recommendations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

VA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]

    MN • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

    VA • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 7/25/2025

  • Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/24/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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