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119-s-1809119th Congress

Drone Espionage Act

Sponsored By: Senator Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

In Committee

Summary

Expands federal criminal liability to cover video of defense information. The Drone Espionage Act would amend 18 U.S.C. 793 by inserting the word "video," after "photographic negative," wherever it appears, so taking or transmitting video that contains defense information would fall under the statute's national-defense information offenses. The text does not create new penalties, enforcement mechanisms, or programs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New criminal rule for drone video

This bill would add the word "video" to the national-defense secrecy law. It would amend 18 U.S.C. 793 so video is treated like a photographic negative. If enacted, taking, holding, or sending video of certain defense information could lead to criminal charges. This would most affect drone operators, contractors, and others who record or share such videos, and it would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]

    UT • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 6/2/2025

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 6/4/2025

  • Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 6/9/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 6/10/2025

  • Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • Rep. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK-2]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 7/22/2025

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 7/28/2025

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 11/18/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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