NEDD Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2205
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on 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.
Last Updated: 2026-06-04T08:07:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense Act (NEDD Act), H.R. 2205, aims to grant the Secretary of Energy exemptions from federal prohibitions on procuring, operating, and funding unmanned aircraft systems (drones) sourced from certain foreign entities (typically those posing national security risks, like adversaries). It also expands the Department of Energy's (DOE) authority to protect nuclear facilities and assets from drone threats, ensuring operational flexibility for nuclear security while addressing potential risks.

Key Provisions

Exemptions for Drone Use: The bill amends sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA 2024) to include the Secretary of Energy alongside other exempted officials (e.g., Secretary of State). This covers:
Prohibition on procuring drones from covered foreign entities (Section 1823(b)).
Prohibition on operating such drones (Section 1824(b)).
Prohibition on using federal funds for their procurement or operation (Section 1825(b)).
Authority for Classified Tracking and Accounting:
Grants the Secretary of Energy (or designees) authority to determine the use of classified drone tracking systems (amending Section 1827(b) of NDAA 2024).
Provides an accounting exception for DOE in tracking drone usage (amending Section 1827(c)).
Expanded Protection for Nuclear Facilities: Broadens DOE's authority under existing law (50 U.S.C. 2661) to counter drone threats at U.S.-owned or contracted sites involved in:
Storing, transporting, or using special nuclear material (e.g., enriched uranium or plutonium used in nuclear energy or weapons).
Researching, designing, manufacturing, or producing non-nuclear components for nuclear weapons.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Insertion of DOE Exemptions: Adds the Secretary of Energy to lists of exempted federal leaders in NDAA 2024 sections (1823–1825, 1827), which previously limited such flexibility to other agencies like State and Defense. This overrides blanket bans on foreign-sourced drones for national security reasons.
Broader Scope for Nuclear Protections: Replaces a narrower definition in 50 U.S.C. 2661(e)(1)(C) to include more nuclear-related activities, extending drone defense measures beyond just weapons production facilities to encompass material handling and non-nuclear weapon components.
These changes do not eliminate prohibitions entirely but create targeted exceptions for DOE, requiring case-by-case determinations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Enhances DOE's operational capabilities at nuclear sites (e.g., national laboratories like Los Alamos or Sandia), allowing use of potentially cost-effective foreign drones for tasks like surveillance or monitoring, while strengthening defenses against unauthorized drones. This could streamline DOE's response to security threats but may increase administrative burdens for tracking and reporting.
On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly bolsters security at nuclear facilities, potentially reducing risks of sabotage or espionage that could affect public safety near these sites. No changes to civilian drone regulations.
On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. efforts to counter foreign drone threats (e.g., from China), but exemptions could signal selective engagement with foreign tech, possibly straining relations with prohibited entities while aiding diplomacy in energy security contexts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Department of Energy and Secretary of Energy: Primary beneficiaries, gaining flexibility and expanded protective powers.
Nuclear Facilities and Contractors: U.S.-owned or contracted entities handling nuclear materials or weapons components (e.g., DOE labs, private firms like those producing weapon parts) will see enhanced drone defense options.
Federal Oversight Committees: House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Energy and Commerce, which will review implementation.
National Security Entities: Indirectly affects agencies like the Department of Defense, as exemptions align with broader NDAA goals but carve out DOE-specific allowances.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Builds on NDAA 2024's framework to address gaps in drone policy for energy security, without altering core prohibitions—exemptions are conditional and tied to national security needs. It may invite future litigation if exemptions lead to perceived security lapses, but complies with existing statutory amendment processes.
Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports executive authority in national defense (Article II) and congressional power over appropriations (Article I), emphasizing protection of critical infrastructure.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., from Nevada representatives) highlights regional interests in nuclear tech hubs like those in Nevada. Could spark debate on balancing innovation with security, especially amid U.S.-China tech tensions, but focuses narrowly on DOE without broader policy shifts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on 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.
2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on 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.
2025-03-18: Introduced in House
2025-03-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense Act — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (4 pages)