Seaport Security Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would ban unauthorized drone flights over major U.S. seaports, covering airspace from ground level up to 1,000 feet. It applies to ports handling at least one million tons of cargo annually or routinely processing multi-day cruise passengers.
• Congress cites growing threats from drones used for drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal surveillance as the reason for the bill. The bill notes that over 300 seaports handle 2.6 billion tons of cargo and 26 million cruise passengers each year.
• The FAA and seaport operators would gain authority to detect, seize, and disable unauthorized drones in the restricted airspace, giving them tools to neutralize threats before damage occurs.
• Violators would face civil fines up to $25,000 per incident, and willful violations could bring up to 2 years in prison. If a drone is used to surveil, damage, or facilitate criminal or terrorist activity at a port, the penalty jumps to up to 10 years in prison.
• Federal agencies, state and local law enforcement, and port operators can still fly drones for security, safety, and operational purposes. Other operators may receive waivers from the FAA Administrator for specific flights.
• The FAA would have 180 days after enactment to issue regulations implementing the new restrictions, including designating covered airspaces and setting up notification procedures.