[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 53 (Thursday, April 7, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1832-S1833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 3560. Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Hoeven) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3464 submitted by Mr. 
Thune (for himself and Mr. Nelson) to the bill H.R. 636, to amend the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing 
limitations, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 73, strike line 24 and all that follows 
     through page 74, line 12, and insert the following:
       (a) Research Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 
     and the United States Unmanned Aircraft System Executive 
     Committee shall, in coordination with industry, users, the 
     Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and test 
     site operators, jointly develop a research plan to identify 
     ongoing research into the broad range of technical, 
     procedural, and policy concerns arising from the integration 
     of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
     system, and research needs regarding those concerns.
       (2) Milestones and goals.--
       (A) In general.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (i) milestones with specific dates; and
       (ii) near-term goals and specific goals after 5 years, 
     after 10 years, and for the period beyond 10 years.
       (B) Integration of larger unmanned aircraft systems.--Goals 
     required by subparagraph (A)(ii) shall include goals relating 
     to integration into the national airspace system of unmanned 
     aircraft systems that are heavier than 55 pounds and fly 
     higher than 500 feet above ground level.
       (3) Integration with next generation air transportation 
     system.--The plan required

[[Page S1833]]

     by paragraph (1) shall specify where and how integration of 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system 
     fits within ongoing programs and research relating to the 
     Next Generation Air Transportation System
       (4) Specification of funds required.--The plan required by 
     paragraph (1) shall specify the amount of funds necessary to 
     achieve the integration of unmanned aircraft systems, of all 
     sizes and at all altitudes, into the national airspace 
     system.
       (5) Engagement with appropriate entities.--In developing 
     the plan, the Administrator shall determine and engage the 
     appropriate entities to meet the research needs identified in 
     the plan.
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