Bill · H.R. 7379· House(119-HR-7379)
NASA C-UAS Act
- Introduced
- 2/4/2026
- Last activity
- 2/5/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Sponsored by
- Haley Stevens
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The NASA Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Authority Act provides NASA with the authority to detect, identify, monitor, and track unmanned aircraft or systems that pose a credible threat to specific facilities or assets. This authority includes the ability to intercept communications used to control such aircraft without prior consent. The Administrator must identify and conduct risk-based assessments to designate high-risk "covered facilities or assets" related to mission activities like launch and reentry services. The Act mandates coordination with the Secretary of Transportation to maintain national airspace safety and provides for research, testing, and training. NASA is also required to provide semiannual briefings to Congress regarding these activities and their impact on privacy and the airspace. This specific authority is set to cease on September 30, 2031.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+3
The bill enhances the ability to monitor and track electronic communications used by unmanned aircraft that pose threats.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates semiannual briefings to Congress regarding the use of these new authorities.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+2
The bill authorizes research, testing, and evaluation of equipment related to unmanned aircraft detection.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-4
The bill allows for the interception of communications without prior consent, which presents a potential privacy risk.
Does this change how police departments operate?-2
The bill expands surveillance and interception authorities for NASA personnel, which may impact civil liberties oversight.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Facilities and Assets: The Administrator can take actions to detect and track aircraft that pose a credible threat to the safety or security of covered facilities or assets, such as those related to launch or reentry services (Section 2(a)).
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Safety of the National Airspace System: The bill requires the Administrator to coordinate with the Secretary to ensure the continued, safe, and efficient operation of the national airspace system, specifically evaluating potential effects on manned aircraft and aviation safety (Section 2(c)(2)(B)(i) and Section 2(d)(3)).
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Mitigation of Disruptions: The Administrator is tasked with evaluating options to minimize the use of technology that disrupts radio or electronic signals, aiming to limit impacts on communications and infrastructure (Section 2(c)(2)(B)(ii)).
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Transparency and Oversight: The Act requires NASA to provide semiannual briefings to appropriate congressional committees, which include descriptions of any harm, damage, or loss caused by these actions, as well as how the public has been informed (Section 2(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Interception of Communications: The Administrator and authorized personnel are permitted to intercept or access wire, oral, or electronic communications used to control an unmanned aircraft without prior consent (Section 2(b)).
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Potential for Privacy and Civil Liberty Issues: While the bill includes privacy protections, the authority to intercept communications and the potential for such actions to implicate privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties are recognized as factors that must be addressed through regulations and oversight (Section 2(g) and Section 2(i)(2)(B)(ii)).
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Risk of Damage or Harm: The bill acknowledges that actions taken under this authority may result in harm, damage, or loss to a person or to private property (Section 2(i)(2)(B)(i)).
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Impact on National Airspace and Infrastructure: The assessment process must account for potential consequences and impacts of these actions on the national airspace system, infrastructure, and the potential for interference with wireless communications (Section 2(c)(2)(B)(i) and Section 2(c)(2)(B)(v)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Privacy Rights-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+1Improves Voting Rights+1Improves Policing Reform-2
- 2/5/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Introduced in House