Washington, DC – U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, (D-NJ) and John Hoeven’s (R-ND) Commercial UAS Modernization Act has received strong endorsements from a number of stakeholders following its introduction earlier today. The legislation sets interim operating guidelines for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and creates a framework to promote American innovation in the rapidly growing field.

In just a few short hours since its introduction, the Commercial UAS Modernization Act has been endorsed by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the Small UAV Coalition, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Electronics Association.

More information on the Commercial UAS Modernization Act can be found here.

Here is what leading stakeholders are saying:

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
“AUVSI appreciates the efforts of Senators Booker and Hoeven to accelerate the safe integration of UAS and the National Airspace System. Their proposed legislation elevates UAS as a national priority, ensuring the industry can quickly and safely take off in the U.S. and keep pace with other countries that already have more permissive UAS regulations.”
-Brian Wynne, President and CEO, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
“Every day the FAA spends drafting rules for commercial drones, gives other countries more innovation-friendly regulatory policies an opportunity to pull further ahead…we need a temporary solution to let U.S. drone operators cut through red tape…Congress should move quickly to debate the Commercial UAS Modernization Act to ensure that U.S. authorities can write informed rules and the U.S. commercial UAS industry remains competitive.”
-Daniel Castro, Vice President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Small UAV Coalition
“The Commercial UAS Modernization Act would allow operators in the United States to take advantage of this technology now, instead of waiting one year or longer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publish its final rule…The Coalition also welcomes a provision in the bill that would create a Deputy Associate Administrator within the FAA to oversee UAS research and development, develop a UAV registration system, and authorize operations beyond the parameters of the FAA’s proposed rule.”

National Association of Broadcasters
“The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in a responsible manner for news gathering operations will further the public interest and benefit communities nationwide. America's hometown broadcasters appreciate the leadership of Senator Booker and Senator Hoeven on this important issue.”
-Dennis Wharton, Executive VP of Communications, National Association of Broadcasters

Consumer Electronics Association
“We thank Senators Booker and Hoeven for introducing legislation that recognizes and supports the potential of UAS to help grow our innovation economy and create new jobs. By seeking to advance the safe deployment and integration of commercial drones in the U.S., this bill recognizes the need to make the most of what could be a one billion dollar technology market.”
- Douglas Johnson, VP of Technology Policy, Consumer Electronics Association