CARE for RPA Crews Act

Susie Lee

Democrat · NV · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Austin Scott (R-GA-8)Original· 2026-05-20
• Brian J. Mast (R-FL-21)Original· 2026-05-20
• Stephanie I. Bice (R-OK-5)Original· 2026-05-20
• Steven Horsford (D-NV-4)Original· 2026-05-20
• Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ-9)· 2026-05-21

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

2026-05-20

Source: Congress.gov

The military would officially recognize drone pilots and operators who conduct combat missions with the same combat status as traditional pilots and aircrew, ensuring they receive equivalent recognition, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. This change would affect how the military classifies and treats service members who operate remotely piloted aircraft in combat zones, potentially impacting their eligibility for certain military honors, pay classifications, and professional development pathways.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 8934 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8934 To provide a combat status identifier equivalent for remotely piloted aircraft crew who conduct combat operations. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 20, 2026 Ms. Lee of Nevada (for herself, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, Mr. Horsford, Mr. Mast, and Mrs. Bice) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To provide a combat status identifier equivalent for remotely piloted aircraft crew who conduct combat operations. 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 ``Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crews Act'' or the ``CARE for RPA Crews Act''. SEC. 2. COMBAT STATUS IDENTIFIER EQUIVALENT FOR REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT CREW. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries of the military departments shall establish a status identifier of equivalent merit as a combat status identifier for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crew who conduct combat operations. <all>

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