GOP’s LIFT Act: Drones to Propel U.S. Ahead

It’s about time Washington did something that actually puts America first in the tech race—and this time, it’s happening in our skies. A new bill introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Republican from Virginia and former Navy helicopter pilot, is aiming to cut through the bureaucratic red tape strangling America’s drone industry. And not a moment too soon.

The legislation, called the LIFT Act, would finally bring some common sense to the drone approval process by allowing civilian drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS)—a major leap forward for industries like agriculture, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and even rural healthcare. Most importantly, it pushes back against the federal bloat that’s kept American innovation grounded while China soars ahead.

“China builds five times as many drones as we do here in America,” Kiggans told Fox News. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a warning. If we don’t act decisively, the Communist Party will dominate yet another critical technology sector while we sit around debating waiver applications and outdated flight rules built for manned aircraft.

Currently, under FAA rules, anyone who wants to fly drones beyond their line of sight has to slog through a slow, costly waiver process that was never designed for modern drone use. That’s government inefficiency at its finest: strangling progress while our adversaries gain ground. Kiggans’ bill would change that by requiring the Transportation Secretary—now Sean Duffy—to set clear performance and safety standards for BVLOS operations and modernize the FAA’s outdated rules. It would also deploy artificial intelligence to speed up the waiver process.

That’s right: we’re finally using AI for something useful—cutting red tape. Instead of letting some overpaid bureaucrat shuffle paper for six months, AI can streamline approvals and get drones where they’re needed—whether it’s delivering medical supplies to a rural hospital or inspecting a power line after a storm.

And let’s not forget: this legislation builds on President Trump’s June 6 executive order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance.” That vision of technological leadership is finally being matched with congressional action. Trump understood—as he always has—that American strength means staying ahead in the innovation game. This bill codifies that vision and ensures the United States isn’t left playing catch-up to Beijing.

Of course, there are safety concerns. After a high-profile commercial plane crash in D.C. earlier this year, some are understandably wary of increasing air traffic. But the solution isn’t to freeze progress—it’s to regulate responsibly. Kiggans acknowledges this, noting the need for clear laws and education for both drone operators and traditional aviators. That’s leadership: not fear-mongering, but smart, forward-thinking policy.

What’s also encouraging is that the bill includes a pilot program offering grants to state and local governments for drone initiatives. That means small towns and local agencies won’t be left behind while Silicon Valley monopolizes the skies. It levels the playing field and ensures that the benefits of drone technology—from faster emergency response to improved infrastructure maintenance—are felt across the country, not just in elite tech hubs.

This is exactly how government should work: identifying a bottleneck, cutting through bureaucracy, and empowering innovation while protecting public safety. It’s conservative policy in action—limited government, strong national interest, and a level playing field for American industry.

With bipartisan momentum building, Congress has a real shot to deliver something rare: a forward-looking, pro-American solution that strengthens our economy, secures our skies, and puts us back in the lead.

You want to talk about infrastructure? This is 21st-century infrastructure. You want to talk about boosting the economy without printing endless money? This is how you do it. You want to talk about standing up to China? Here’s your playbook.

It’s time our laws caught up with our potential. The LIFT Act isn’t just about drones—it’s about reclaiming American leadership in a world where our adversaries never stop moving. Congress should pass this bill without delay. The future is overhead, and we can’t afford to let it fly by.