The FAA funding bill, which includes provisions from Congressman Knight, R-Santa Clarita, passed the House of Representatives last week.

On April 26, the House voted 393-13 to pass H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which incorporates provisions authored by Knight to overcome technology challenges for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) into 21st Century commerce.

It will also develop tools to strengthen the physical and cyber security of airspace systems and aircraft, and separately, ensure the agency is a good partner to private sector technology leaders that are working on improvements to the way people and cargo fly, according to Knight’s office.

These provisions were adopted from H.R. 3198, the FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development (FLIGHT R&D) Act, introduced by Knight in July 2017.

“UASs offer huge potential to our commercial, recreational, and utility sectors,” said Knight “Whether it’s delivering packages or helping emergency responders find a missing person, this technology is right at our fingertips and ready to improve the lives of every American.”

This bill will help create an environment that encourages business to develop and test new systems here in the U.S. instead of moving abroad to find an easier regulatory environment. This ensures the FAA will be a good research partner to the private sector for the safe development of UASs, Knight said.

The FLIGHT R&D Act provisions in the bill would also provide additional tools to the FAA to develop a national cybersecurity infrastructure specifically designed to protect American airspace.

“Our enemies are constantly searching for ways to harm us or compromise our way of life,” said Knight “We need to always remain at least one step ahead of them in order to defend our communities. With more people in the air at any given moment than any time in history, it’s critical that we invest in a robust and proactive cybersecurity framework.”

Knight is a member of the Science, Space, & Technology Committee. He is also the founder and chairman of the House NASA Caucus, which currently comprises of 46 members of both parties.

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