Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act
Sponsored By: Representative Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7]
Introduced
Summary
Would let trained, certified private owners and their security teams disable or seize hostile drones at high-risk infrastructure sites. The bill pairs that authority with a national training program, a $250 million grant fund to buy approved anti-drone gear, and liability protections to encourage use by critical facilities.
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- Owners and security personnel at DHS-designated high-risk sites, including nuclear plants, key substations, transformer stations, and bulk power control centers, would be able to take actions to mitigate credible unmanned aircraft system threats after Secretary-approved training. Seized drones could be forfeited under local law following Secretary procedures.
- The Secretary of Homeland Security would have to set up a national certification and training program in coordination with Energy, Justice, Defense, and Transportation, including FAA coordination and a joint authorized list of technologies; certification and training would be required before anyone could use the authority.
- The bill would create a grant program limited to covered critical infrastructure owners and operators and authorize $250 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to buy, install, and operate approved counter-unmanned aircraft systems. It would also treat authorized actions as Federal actions for liability protection, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New anti-drone powers for facilities
If enacted, owners or operators of DHS-designated covered critical infrastructure facilities — and their security staff or contractors assigned security duties — would be allowed to take actions to mitigate a credible drone threat. They would only be able to use this authority after completing the Secretary's national training and certification program. Seized unmanned aircraft could be forfeited under the laws of the jurisdiction where the seizure occurred and under Secretary-established procedures. Personnel acting under the authority would get federal-style liability protection, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The authority would end on September 30, 2031.
Grants to buy anti-drone systems
If enacted, the bill would create a DHS grant program, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to help owners and operators of covered critical infrastructure buy, install, and operate approved counter-unmanned aircraft systems. Only owners and operators of DHS-designated covered facilities would be eligible. Congress is authorized to appropriate $250 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program.
Rules to implement anti-drone program
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with the Secretary of Energy, the Attorney General, and the FAA Administrator, to issue regulations and guidance within 180 days. The rules must include procedures for real-time coordination with the national airspace system and implement training, certification, and approved-technology lists. The rulemaking is meant to make the new authority and certification system operational.
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