This bill, known as the LIFT Act of 2025, aims to significantly expand and integrate advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) operations into the national airspace. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to take several actions to enhance safety, streamline regulatory processes, and foster innovation in these emerging aviation sectors. A core provision mandates the issuance of a proposed rule within 30 days and a final rule within six months to enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems.

To support these expanded operations, the Secretary must also establish safety metrics for BVLOS operations within 30 days and identify regulatory barriers, submitting recommendations for legislative or regulatory action within 180 days. The bill further requires the deployment of artificial intelligence tools within 120 days to expedite the review of UAS waiver applications, supporting performance- and risk-based evaluations and identifying patterns for potential future rulemaking. Additionally, it directs an examination of international requirements to allow UAS operations over high seas without being subject to manned aircraft regulations.

A significant component of the bill is the establishment of an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) integration pilot program, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. This program will provide grants to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to accelerate the safe deployment of eVTOL operations in the United States. Projects selected for this program must include a private sector partner with demonstrated experience and will be chosen based on criteria such as the use of US-based technology and diverse operational models like advanced air mobility, medical response, and cargo transport. Finally, the bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize the integration of United States-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace to the maximum extent permitted by law.