Skip to content
Govbase
Govbase
Congress·Reported·S. 1809

National Security: Banning Video of Military Secrets

Drone Espionage Act

about 2 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • Congress is updating national security laws to make it illegal to take or share videos of protected military secrets. Current laws already ban taking photos or making sketches of these items, but this change adds "video" to the list of forbidden actions.
  • This change is designed to close a loophole in old laws that were written before high-quality video cameras and drones were common. It ensures that filming a secret military site is treated as a serious crime, just like taking a still photograph.
  • The policy mainly affects people who operate drones or cameras near restricted areas. It aims to prevent foreign countries or individuals from using modern technology to gather intelligence on U.S. defense operations.
  • If passed, anyone caught filming classified defense information could face federal criminal penalties. This serves as a warning to drone hobbyists and others to be careful about what they record when they are near military property.

Milestones

4 milestones6 actions
Feb 9, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 316.

Feb 9, 2026Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley without amendment. Without written report.

Feb 5, 2026Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Jun 10, 2025Senate

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs. Hearings held.

May 20, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Related Bills

1 bill
H.R. 2939Identical bill

Drone Espionage Act

Apr 17 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Drone Espionage Act

Bill NumberS 1809
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 316.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(13)
D: 1R: 12

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.