[Pages H7750-H7752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT ACT

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 5315) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish
in the Department of Transportation a drone infrastructure inspection
grant program and a drone education and training grant program, and for
other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:

H.R. 5315

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Drone Infrastructure
Inspection Grant Act''.

SEC. 2. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
establish a drone infrastructure inspection grant program to
make grants to governmental entities to facilitate the use of
eligible small unmanned aircraft systems to increase
efficiency, reduce costs, improve worker and community
safety, reduce carbon emissions, or meet other priorities (as
determined by the Secretary) related to critical
infrastructure projects.
(b) Use of Grant Amounts.--A governmental entity may use a
grant provided under this section to--
(1) purchase or lease eligible small unmanned aircraft
systems;
(2) support operational capabilities of eligible small
unmanned aircraft systems by the governmental entity;
(3) contract for services performed with an eligible small
unmanned aircraft system in circumstances in which the
governmental entity does not have the resources or expertise
to safely carry out or assist in carrying out the activities
described under subsection (a); and
(4) support the program management capability of the
governmental entity to use an eligible small unmanned
aircraft system.
(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, a governmental entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including an assurance that the governmental entity or its
contractor will comply with relevant federal regulations.
(d) Selection of Applicants.--In selecting an applicant for
a grant under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize
projects that propose to--
(1) carry out a critical infrastructure project in a
historically disadvantaged community; or
(2) address a safety risk in the inspection, operation,
maintenance, repair, modernization, or construction of an
element of critical infrastructure.
(e) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
as to interfere with an agreement between a governmental
entity and a labor union.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
first grant is provided under this section, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report that evaluates the program carried out under
this section, including--
(1) a description of the number of grants awarded;
(2) the amount of each grant;
(3) the activities funded under this section; and
(4) the effectiveness of such funded activities in meeting
the objectives described in subsection (a).
(g) Funding.--
(1) Federal share.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using
a grant under this section shall not exceed 80 percent of the
total project cost.
(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal share
requirement under subparagraph (A) to up to 100 percent for a
project carried out using a grant under this section by a
governmental entity if such entity--
(i) submits a written application to the Secretary
requesting an increase in the Federal share; and
(ii) demonstrates that the additional assistance is
necessary to facilitate the acceptance and full use of a
grant under this section, such as alleviating economic
hardship, meeting additional workforce needs, or such other
uses that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section--
(A) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and
(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.

SEC. 3. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
establish a drone education and training grant program to
make grants to educational institutions for workforce
training for eligible small unmanned aircraft system
technology.
(b) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under this
section shall be used in furtherance of activities authorized
under sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, an educational institution shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and
(2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical
infrastructure'' has the meaning given such term in section
1016(e) of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of
2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
(2) Critical infrastructure project.--The term ``critical
infrastructure project'' means a project for the inspection,
operation, maintenance, repair, modernization, or
construction of an element of critical infrastructure,
including mitigating environmental hazards to such
infrastructure.
(3) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
entity'' means an entity--
(A) included on the Consolidated Screening List or Entity
List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
(B) domiciled in the People's Republic of China or the
Russian Federation;
(C) subject to influence or control by the government of
the People's Republic of China or by the Russian Federation;
or
(D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described in
subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(4) Educational institution.--The term ``educational
institution'' means an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized
under sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
(5) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element
of critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure
facility or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads,
highways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure,
communication systems, pipelines, or other related facilities
or assets, as defined by the Secretary.
(6) Eligible small unmanned aircraft system.--The term
``eligible small unmanned aircraft system'' means a small
unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a
company that is domiciled in the United States and is not a
covered foreign entity.
(7) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental entity''
means--
(A) a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, or a political
subdivision thereof;
(B) a unit of local government;
(C) a Tribal Government;
(D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
(E) a combination of the entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(8) Small unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft; unmanned
aircraft system.--The terms ``small unmanned aircraft'',
``unmanned aircraft'', and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have
the meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 49,
United States Code.

[[Page H7751]]

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from Louisiana
(Mr. Graves) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.

General Leave

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 5315, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
There was no objection.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5315, the Drone Infrastructure
Inspection Grant Act, legislation sponsored by Mr. Stanton of Arizona
and Mr. Graves from Louisiana.
In recent years, small unmanned systems, also known as drones, have
been valuable assets in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the
Nation's critical infrastructure. Drones have many uses, from surveying
transmission lines and inspecting bridges, to assessing damage from
natural disasters. As this aviation technology continues to evolve,
State and local governments should have the opportunity to leverage
these systems to help identify and address the growing infrastructure
needs across the country.
H.R. 5315 establishes a drone infrastructure inspection grant program
and a drone education and workforce training grant program at the U.S.
Department of Transportation to help increase efficiency, reduce costs,
improve worker safety, and reduce carbon emissions related to critical
infrastructure projects.
Specifically, the bill authorizes competitive Department of
Transportation grants for State, Tribal, and local governments to
purchase, lease, contract for services, or support the operational
management of small drones to perform certain infrastructure projects.
H.R. 5315 ensures that these Federal funds can only be used for small
drone technology manufactured or assembled by a U.S. company, includes
safeguards for related labor agreements, and prioritizes projects
conducted in historically disadvantaged communities.
In order to help equip the future U.S. transportation workforce with
the skills necessary to capitalize on drone technology and compete
globally, H.R. 5315 also invests Federal funding in drone workforce
training and education programs at universities and community colleges.
This program will be particularly beneficial as the U.S. aviation
sector works to achieve a workforce that better reflects the diversity
of the country as a whole.
H.R. 5315 has the support of cosponsors from both sides of the aisle
and the endorsement of several key organizations representing the U.S.
aviation and aerospace sector, and State, Tribal, and local
governments.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from these
organizations.

September 8, 2022.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker of the House, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Steny Hoyer,
Majority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Kevin McCarthy,
Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Steve Scalise,
Minority Whip, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Minority Leader
McCarthy and Minority Whip Scalise: We write in strong
support of H.R. 5315, the bipartisan Drone Infrastructure
Inspection Grant (DIIG) Act, and respectfully request that
the bill be added to the House floor schedule. The DIIG Act
addresses the urgent critical infrastructure inspection
backlog our nation faces today, while also investing in the
drone workforce of tomorrow.
The bill's purpose is twofold. First, it would authorize
the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide
competitive grants to state, tribal, and local governments to
use secure small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to perform
critical infrastructure inspections. Drones provide states
with a safe and cost effective way to identify and repair
critical infrastructure problems in early stages, saving
money, time, and preventing needless consumer and worker
injuries and death.
Second, the bill would invest in our nation's future
workforce by authorizing USDOT competitive grants for
workforce training and education at institutions of higher
education, including community colleges. This would position
current and future workers to capitalize on the fast-growing
drone economy, and help to cultivate a diverse workforce. To
date, over 90 institutions have been approved by the Federal
Aviation Administration as VAS-Collegiate Training Initiative
Schools. This bill would nurture a dynamic workforce--ready
to adapt to the technological advancements of the future.
The DIIG Act passed out of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee by a bipartisan vote of 54-4 on
April 28th. We hope you join us in supporting the DIIG Act by
adding it to the House floor schedule as soon as possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
National League of Cities (NLC), National Conference of
State Legislatures (NCSL), National Association of Counties
(NACo), National Association of State Aviation Officials
(NASAO), American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials, Association of Uncrewed Vehicle
Systems International (AUVSI), Commercial Drone Alliance
(CDA).
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors
Association, Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research
Alliance, Inc (NUAIR), Alaska Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Kansas UAS
Joint Task Force, Texas Association of Counties, San
Bernardino County.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5315 is bipartisan legislation that addresses
problems we have seen in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, we had a bridge collapse in Minnesota; we had a bridge
collapse in Georgia; and, more recently, right on the Tennessee-
Arkansas line on the interstate, we saw a bridge collapse.
All of these accidents that resulted in deaths and injuries and
incredible impacts to traffic, they could have been prevented. They
could have been prevented by lowering the threshold by doing safety
inspections to critical infrastructure, like bridges; and this
legislation helps to facilitate that.
Mr. Speaker, over 90 percent of the drones that were flown in the
United States used to be foreign-made, in fact, from China. This
legislation not only helps to facilitate the incorporation of drone
inspection, which is cheaper, it is more thorough, it is more easily
accessible, and it lowers the threshold to safety inspections. It
doesn't put workers at risk. But it also ensures that we continue
making progress on this domestic drone industry and no longer cede this
leadership role to China.
This bill ensures that this is a domestic industry, U.S. technology,
American jobs. And as the gentlewoman just said, this legislation also
ensures that we have the workforce able to do this.
This bill is for 2 years. It is not designed to be in perpetuity. It
is 2 years. It is helping to seed this industry; helping to incorporate
this technology into our State DOTs, into our programs related to
utilities and transmission lines, and even in the aftermath of
disasters which, unfortunately, in my home State of Louisiana, we often
experience.
I thank my friend for working with us on a bipartisan basis on this
legislation, the gentleman from Arizona, the sponsor of this
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this legislation, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Stanton).
Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this commonsense,
bipartisan legislation, and I thank Chairman DeFazio and the gentleman
from Louisiana (Mr. Graves) for working with me on it.
Our country must do a better job inspecting infrastructure. There is
a nationwide backlog, and it is because traditional methods of
inspecting critical infrastructure are often time-consuming, dangerous,
and expensive. Inspections are essential, though, and we have seen
tragic results around the country when structural flaws go unnoticed.
Modern technology has given us a great tool that we can use for
inspections: Drones. Using a drone to inspect infrastructure in hard-
to-reach places, such as underneath bridges, can speed up the
inspection process so that we

[[Page H7752]]

can get through the backlog more quickly, and it can help save money,
as well.
In fact, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials estimate that utilizing drones reduces the cost of
infrastructure inspections by 74 percent and the time needed to conduct
the inspection by 88 percent.
Not only that, but drone inspections are much safer for the workers
than having a human hang under a tall bridge. It is an easy way to
improve job safety.
In my home State, the Arizona Department of Transportation has been
using drones for several years to inspect hard-to-reach areas on
bridges, and survey near highways where falling rocks or ground
movements are potential hazards.
What this bill does is simple: It gives more States, Tribes, and
local governments the opportunity to use drones. It creates competitive
grants to purchase, contract for services, or develop program
capability for American-made, small, unmanned aircraft systems to
perform critical infrastructure inspection, maintenance, operation, or
repair projects. And it provides resources to train the next generation
and upskill our existing workforce.
This bill has broad support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,
National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National
Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of State
Aviation Officials, American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems
International, and many, many others.
I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill.

{time} 1500

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5315, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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