S.Amdt. 3515

SA 3515, submitted by Mr. Daines, aims to improve the protection of Department of Defense facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft threats by making the following changes to section 130i of title 10, United States Code:

• Expansion of Authority: It adds contractors to the list of people who can be protected, alongside civilian employees.

• Information Sharing: It expands who can receive information to include those who would support another Federal department or agency that has the authority to mitigate unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems threats.

• Disclosure Exemptions: It creates an exemption from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5 and any State or local law for information regarding the protocols, procedures, and technology used to carry out this section, as well as any related guidance or regulations.

• Removal of Restrictions: The amendment strikes the subsection regarding partial termination.

• Expanded Missions and Scope: It expands the definition of covered missions and assets to include:

  • Vessels and territorial waters.
  • Protection of buildings, grounds, and property under Department of Defense jurisdiction where the public does not have regular, unrestricted access.
  • Territorial integrity and air sovereignty.
  • Assistance to Federal, State, or local officials regarding high-yield explosives or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological weapons.
  • Emergency responses limited to specific locations and timeframes.
  • Intelligence or counterintelligence.
  • Personnel associated with the identified facilities, assets, or vessels who are providing direct support for these missions.