Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act
Sponsored By: Representative Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would give private owners and operators of high‑risk critical infrastructure a new, limited authority to _counter unmanned aircraft systems at their sites_. It also would set up a federal training and certification program, fund grants, and provide liability protections for authorized actions.
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- Owners and operators: Covered facility owners and operators would be allowed to take specified actions to mitigate credible UAS threats after completing required training and certification. Any UAS seized could be subject to forfeiture under local law and the authority ends September 30, 2031.
- Security personnel and contractors: Designated officers, employees, or contractors would have to complete a national training and certification program established within 180 days and use only technologies on a joint authorized list. They would follow mandatory coordination protocols with the FAA to protect the national airspace.
- Grants and liability: The Department of Homeland Security would run a grant program for eligible high‑risk energy and bulk power sites and the bill would authorize $250 million for fiscal years 2027–2031. Actions taken under the authority would be treated as Federal actions for liability purposes, shielding owners, operators, and personnel from civil or criminal claims except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
*This bill would increase federal outlays by authorizing $250 million in grants for FY2027–2031.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New drone defenses for critical sites
If enacted, owners or operators of Secretary-designated high-risk facilities would be allowed to stop or disrupt drones that pose a credible threat. The Department of Homeland Security would set a national training and certification program and issue rules and FAA coordination procedures within 180 days. The bill would create a grant program, in coordination with Energy, and authorize $250 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to buy and install approved counter-drone systems. Seized drones could be forfeited under the law where they were taken, and facility actors would get federal-style liability protection for authorized actions except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The authority would begin on enactment and expire September 30, 2031 unless extended.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7]
TN • R
Cosponsors
Crenshaw
TX • R
Sponsored 6/22/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov