House lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to reauthorize the counter-drone authorities of the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, a measure that also would create new authorities to counter potential threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the U.S.
The Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act of 2024 would extend existing authorities through Oct. 1, 2028. Congress in a recent bill to reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration extended these authorities through Oct. 1, 2024.
The House bill would expand counter-drone uses, including giving the Homeland Security Investigations unit within the DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch these authorities.
The bill also directs DHS, DoJ, and the Federal Aviation Administration to establish an application process whereby federal, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies could acquire and operate approved counter-UAS detection systems and technology in partnership with covered entities at certain sites. It also directs the start of a state law enforcement pilot program at five sites to test approved counter-UAS (C-UAS) mitigation systems.
Certain critical infrastructures could also acquire, deploy, and authorize counter-UAS detection systems under an agreement with DHS, the bill says.
The FAA would be provided authority to detect and mitigate drones that pose a threat to the national airspace.
Other provisions in the bill would allow DHS to use counter-UAS to protect public airports, require FAA to develop a plan for C-UAS operations at airports, and require DHS and DoJ to establish C-UAS training program and operator qualifications.
The bill was introduced by the Reps. Mark Green (R-Tenn) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chairman and ranking member, respectively, on the Homeland Security Committee, Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), chairman and ranking member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), ranking member on the Judiciary Committee.