Sponsors (2)
The bill accelerates federal support for advanced air mobility and related research—boosting innovation and potential airspace efficiency—while raising significant safety, equity, and NASA-resource-prioritization risks.
Passengers, cargo operators, and the traveling public could see more efficient and potentially safer airspace as investments advance UTM and autonomous aviation capabilities.
Scientists, researchers, and aerospace tech workers will retain federal R&D support for UAS and advanced air mobility, sustaining jobs and ongoing innovation in the sector.
Taxpayers and state governments gain more regular oversight and transparency through mandated congressional briefings on federal aerospace R&D progress.
Middle-class families and transportation workers face heightened safety and privacy risks if advanced and autonomous aviation technologies are deployed before robust regulatory and safety frameworks are in place.
Small aerospace firms and startups may be disadvantaged as R&D support and industry partnerships disproportionately benefit well-capitalized companies, concentrating industry advantage.
Scientists, researchers, and taxpayers risk other NASA priorities being crowded out if the agency must reallocate resources to sustain continued UAS/AAM R&D directed by the legislation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires NASA to continue UAS and AAM research with FAA and partners, report progress to Congress within 18 months.
Official title: To provide for collaboration between NASA and the FAA relating to research on unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, and for other purposes.
Introduced December 11, 2025 by Thomas Kean · Last progress December 11, 2025
Directs NASA to continue research on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) in coordination with the FAA, other federal agencies, and relevant academia and industry partners, including work on UTM and autonomy. Requires a written briefing to two congressional committees on research progress within 18 months and defines key terms used in the Act.