Bill · H.R. 5061· House(119-HR-5061)
Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act
- Introduced
- 8/29/2025
- Last activity
- 9/3/2025 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Andrew Garbarino
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 4
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, the "Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act," aims to reauthorize and reform authorities related to counter-unmanned aircraft systems. It establishes protocols for the detection, identification, and mitigation of unmanned aircraft threats to protect specific facilities, assets, and airports. The legislation creates a pilot program for law enforcement and a voluntary verified operator program to improve airspace access. It also mandates the creation of an Office of Counter-UAS Activities within the FAA to manage these security efforts. Additionally, the act requires rigorous safety standards, training requirements, and regular reporting to Congress. The authorities granted by this act are set to expire on October 1, 2030.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates regular public reports and congressional briefings regarding counter-UAS activities.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill grants the FAA and DHS expanded authorities for counter-UAS operations and enforcement.
The opposite
Does this give people more control over their personal data?-4
The bill authorizes the interception of communications from unmanned aircraft, potentially impacting privacy rights.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-3
The authority to intercept and acquire communication data presents potential privacy risks.
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-3
The bill expands surveillance capabilities to detect, identify, and track unmanned aircraft through communication interception.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Protection for Critical Infrastructure: The bill provides mechanisms to protect "covered sites," which include energy production, railroad facilities, oil refineries, chemical facilities, amusement parks, and State prisons, from unmanned aircraft threats (Section 2).
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Improved Airport Security: Through strategic airport planning and the deployment of detection systems at large and medium hub airports, the bill aims to ensure the safety and security of aircraft and respond to disruptions in air traffic (Section 7).
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Streamlined Airspace Access for Operators: The creation of a "voluntary verified unmanned aircraft system operator program" allows qualified operators to access different categories of airspace more easily via digital means (Section 4).
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Standardized Safety Information: The modernization of drone safety statements ensures that initial operators receive essential information regarding laws, regulations, and airspace restrictions at the time they activate their systems (Section 10).
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Law Enforcement Capabilities: A pilot program is established to allow State and local law enforcement agencies to deploy approved counter-UAS systems to protect covered sites and events (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Foreign Technology: The bill prohibits the use of counter-UAS systems, equipment, or technology manufactured or developed by "covered manufacturers" based in certain nonmarket economy or priority foreign countries (Section 3; Section 4).
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Impact on Communications and Privacy: The use of counter-UAS systems may involve the interception or acquisition of communications, which requires strict adherence to constitutional protections to avoid infringing on privacy and civil liberties (Section 4).
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Potential for Aviation Interference: There is a risk that the deployment of counter-UAS systems could adversely impact aviation safety, civil aviation operations, or the use of the national airspace system (Section 3; Section 4).
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Civil Penalties for Misuse: Individuals or businesses that operate detection or mitigation technology in a careless or reckless manner that interferes with safe airport operations or the national airspace system may face maximum civil penalties (Section 8).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+3Improves Privacy Rights-3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-3
- 3/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0.
- 9/2/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 9/1/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 8/29/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Sam GravesRepublican · Missouri
Adam GrayDemocrat · California
Rick LarsenDemocrat · Washington
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey