Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today praised the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to create a registration process for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The FAA will create a task force to develop the process over the coming weeks.

“Safety is, and must be, the FAA’s number-one priority. I know it is mine, as the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee. I also know the UAS industry has great potential to drive economic growth and create jobs, including in my district in Washington state, an epicenter of aviation R&D.

“Earlier this month, the Aviation Subcommittee held hearings on UAS safety. There was clear, bipartisan agreement that some kind of registration process for UAS will improve safety. I’m glad FAA agrees, as well.

"Today’s announcement is good news for safety and for responsible UAS owners. However, the Committee needs to make sure that registration is secure, available to FAA to use for enforcement purposes, and a straightforward process for UAS users. I look forward to working with Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, and Chairman LoBiondo to closely follow FAA’s next steps,” Larsen said.

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