Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act

Bill Number: H.R. 5061
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-09-03: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0.
Last Updated: 2026-07-09T13:27:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill reauthorizes and reforms federal authorities for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS) to address threats from unauthorized drones. It aims to enhance security at critical sites, events, and airports while improving safety, transparency, accountability, and interagency coordination.

Key Provisions Outlined

Reauthorization and Core Authorities: Extends existing counter-UAS powers under the Homeland Security Act (Section 210G) and Title 49 U.S. Code (new Section 44810) until October 1, 2030. Allows detection, identification, tracking, seizure, disruption, or destruction of UAS posing credible threats, with requirements for FAA coordination to prevent aviation safety impacts.
Equipment Approval and Restrictions: Requires a public list of approved counter-UAS systems meeting performance standards, with limits on foreign-made equipment from nonmarket economy countries or priority foreign countries. Includes exceptions for research and testing.
Expanded Detection Authority: Permits covered entities (e.g., owners of critical infrastructure, prisons, amusement parks, or event organizers) to deploy approved detection systems at covered sites or events after application and agreement with law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Pilot Programs: Creates a pilot for state and local law enforcement to use mitigation systems at covered sites/events (limited initially to 5 agencies, with expansion possible). Includes a special program for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Olympics.
Airport-Specific Measures: Mandates FAA planning and deployment of detection systems at large/medium hub and major cargo airports, plus a pilot for mitigation systems at up to 5 airports. Requires site-specific plans and coordination.
FAA Enhancements: Establishes an Office of Counter-UAS Activities, a voluntary verified UAS operator program for airspace access, minimum performance requirements for systems, and testing/evaluation protocols.
Enforcement and Reporting: Prohibits reckless operation of counter-UAS systems that interfere with aviation, with civil penalties. Requires annual public reports on activities, privacy protections, and violations. Modernizes small UAS safety statements requiring manufacturer disclosure and operator acknowledgment.
Training and Oversight: Mandates initial/recurrent training standards, privacy safeguards (e.g., limited record retention), and audits by inspectors general.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Replaces and expands prior counter-UAS provisions with broader authorities for FAA, DHS, and DOJ, including new FAA powers for airspace protection and a voluntary operator program.
Introduces foreign manufacturer bans and spectrum impact consultations not present in prior law.
Adds structured application processes, agreements, and revocation mechanisms for non-federal use of systems.
Establishes performance standards, training criteria, and enforcement for improper counter-UAS use.
Exempts certain agency determinations from standard administrative rulemaking procedures.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases coordination among DHS, DOJ, FAA, FCC, and NTIA; creates new FAA office and training programs; shifts some responsibilities to state/local law enforcement via pilots.
Citizens: Enhances protection at airports, events, and infrastructure but may limit certain UAS operations; emphasizes privacy and civil liberties safeguards.
International Relations: Restricts technology from specific foreign countries while maintaining consistency with existing international agreements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal agencies (DHS, DOJ, FAA).
State and local law enforcement.
Airport operators and covered entities (critical infrastructure owners, event organizers).
UAS operators and manufacturers.
Counter-UAS system manufacturers.
The general public regarding safety and privacy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Strengthens privacy protections by limiting communication interception and record retention, with explicit references to First and Fourth Amendment compliance.
Requires mitigation of any adverse effects on aviation safety or civil liberties before system use.
Bipartisan measure focused on balancing security needs with operational safeguards; includes audits and public reporting for accountability.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

Recent Actions

2025-09-03: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0.
2025-09-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-09-03: Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
2025-09-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
2025-09-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
2025-08-29: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-08-29: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-08-29: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-08-29: Introduced in House
2025-08-29: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-08-29 — PDF (88 pages)