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Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon has introduced the Commercial UAS Modernization Act.

It will support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones into the National Airspace System.

The act seeks to bring legislation to create a temporary framework for commercial use and testing of small and micro UAS until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalises rules for commercial UAS.

It also intends to enhance FAA’s oversight authorities by creating a deputy administrator exclusively for the safe integration of drones in the US airspace, as well as streamline existing regulations, which claimed to slow the introduction of new aircraft technologies.

The legislation also asked the FAA to explore the viability of delivering packages and other property by small UAS.

The act aims to ensure that FAA test sites are being fully used to provide research opportunities in new technologies such as developing an air traffic management system for UAS, in collaboration with industry and other related government agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

In 2015, senator Cory Booker introduced similar legislation.

"The legislation also asked the FAA to explore the viability of delivering packages and other property by small UAS."

Blumenauer said: "The UAS industry is booming in Oregon and nationwide, but our laws and regulations are stifling innovation instead of encouraging it, forcing American companies to look overseas to test new technology.

"We must not miss the opportunity to harness the benefits and utility of UAS technology, which will bring advances in safety and efficiency in nearly every sector of the economy."

He claimed the UAS industry will create more than 100,000 jobs in the country and create $82bn in economic impact.

Under section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), the FAA has granted exemptions to 3,306 companies, which want to use drones in commercial operations.

Several companies are reportedly waiting to obtain their exemptions, since the agency is yet to finalise detailed rules required to fly drones commercially.

Image: US congressman Blumenauer introduces the Commercial UAS Modernization Act. Photo: courtesy of Online Guide to House Members and Senators.