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119-s-2387119th CongressWALLET

LEAD Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a new category for certain reusable drones and would treat CUASIs like manned aircraft for export-control purposes. The bill also removes CUASIs from Missile Technology Control Regime missile restrictions and orders near-term ITAR and CFR updates.

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  • Manufacturers and exporters: Would align CUASI export reviews with the criteria used for manned aircraft, creating CUASI-specific controls and more consistent export pathways for reusable unmanned systems.
  • Allies and partners: Would allow CUASIs to be treated separately from missile technology for MTCR purposes, affecting co-production and co-development arrangements with partners.
  • Regulators and rulemaking: Directs the President to amend ITAR rules and 22 C.F.R. 121.1 and 120.23 within 180 days to implement the CUASI category and the MTCR carve out.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Easier exports for reusable drones

If enacted, this bill would treat certain reusable military drones as manned aircraft for export reviews. These covered unmanned aircraft systems and related items (CUASIs) must be ITAR-controlled, listed in the MTCR Annex, and designed to be reusable. The bill would say CUASIs are not missile technology under MTCR rules. Within 180 days after enactment, the President would have to amend ITAR parts 120.23 and 121.1 to reflect these changes.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

AR • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 7/30/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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