Bill · S. 1908· Senate(119-S-1908)
A bill to require the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to complete a threat assessment regarding unmanned aircraft systems at or near the international borders of the United States, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Border Drone Threat Assessment Act requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to perform a threat assessment concerning unmanned aircraft systems at or near United States international borders. This assessment must be completed within one year of the Act's enactment. The Under Secretary will consult with several officials, including the Commander of USNORTHCOM and the Administrator of the FAA, to evaluate threats from malign actors. Following the assessment, a report containing the findings must be submitted to appropriate congressional committees. This report will include descriptions of threats, current government capabilities, and whether additional resources are required. Finally, a briefing on the report must be provided to Congress.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill enhances border security by mandating a threat assessment of drone activity near international borders.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill increases transparency by requiring a formal report and briefing to Congress regarding border drone threats.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased National Security Awareness: The bill requires a description of how malign actors use unmanned aircraft systems for attacks, surveillance, or moving contraband, which helps identify threats near the borders (Section 3, subsection b, clause 4).
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Assessment of Government Capabilities: The Act mandates an evaluation of whether the United States Government has the necessary capabilities to detect, identify, counter, or defeat threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (Section 3, subsection b, clauses 2 and 6).
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Protection of Rights: The assessment must include a description of the policies and procedures that address the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of people who are lawfully operating unmanned aircraft systems near the borders (Section 3, subsection b, clause 5).
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Identification of Resource Needs: The resulting report will determine if changes in authorities or additional resources are necessary to achieve complete air domain awareness and defeat threats from malign actors (Section 4, subsection b, clause 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona