Drone Defense: New Rules for Stopping Dangerous Drones
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is reviewing this bill after it was ordered to be reported on September 3, 2025. No further action has occurred since September 3, 2025, and the bill remains stalled in the committee process. It must move through the remaining committees before it can be considered by the full House.
This bill has strong bipartisan support and addresses a growing security concern, but it involves complex privacy issues and must pass through several different committees.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small businesses that operate drone detection or counter-drone equipment face new federal penalties. The bill sets the maximum civil penalty for careless or reckless operation of detection/mitigation technology at the higher rate normally reserved for large entities, removing the smaller-penalty tier that individuals and small businesses usually get. Commercial drone operators near airports could face enforcement if their activity interferes with the airspace.
“the maximum civil penalty for a violation of section 44815 committed by a person described in such section, including an individual or small business concern, shall be the maximum civil penalty authorized under subsection (a)(1) of this section for persons other than an individual or small business concern.”
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 5061, which reauthorizes DHS and DOJ drone defense powers through 2030. It establishes the first-ever pilot program for state and local law enforcement to mitigate drone threats at critical sites and major events like the 2026 World Cup.
Legislation introduced by Sen. Tom Cotton builds on bipartisan counter-drone provisions included in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The measures aim to close security gaps by allowing trained personnel to mitigate drones posing a 'credible threat' to high-risk facilities.
H.R. 5061 would reauthorize DHS counter-UAS authority and create a pilot program for state and local law enforcement. The bill includes privacy protections and standardized equipment approval, aiming to integrate local agencies into national defense ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act
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