WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the signing of a presidential memorandum directing the Department of Transportation to carry out a pilot program that creates laboratories of innovation for expanded use of commercial drones.  The memorandum creates a pilot program designed to encourage innovation with unmanned aircraft systems around the country, while also maintaining the safety of our national airspace system. 

"This new policy directive provides sensible direction that promotes drone safety, innovation, and local input. Federal management of air operations has underpinned a long history of steady safety improvements in our skies. This presidential memorandum is another step in the right direction. I applaud the leadership behind this new effort, which will influence the policy discussions underway in Congress and among regulators."

The Commerce Committee exercises legislative jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which manages all manned and unmanned air operation to ensure safety.
 

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