Sponsors (11)
Authorizes DoD and, at a state's request, National Guard members to take certain counter-unmanned aircraft actions and integrates DoD into counter-UAS coordination and activation authorities.
Official title: To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and titles 10 and 32, United States Code, to authorize the National Guard to protect certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 7, 2026 by Michael T. McCaul · Last progress May 7, 2026
The bill strengthens local counter-drone response and readiness by expanding DoD/National Guard roles and clarifying coordination, but does so at the risk of aviation safety incidents, civil liberties and liability concerns, and potential costs or personnel strain without new funding.
State governors and local authorities can request DoD-authorized National Guard assistance to detect and interdict hostile or unsafe drones, enabling faster local responses to unmanned aircraft threats.
Airports, local governments, and transportation workers will face clearer interagency roles because the bill adds DoD into DHS/FAA coordination and consultation, reducing confusion during counter-UAS incidents near airports.
National Guard units and military personnel can conduct training and field exercises to practice counter-UAS actions, improving readiness without requiring new appropriations.
Air travelers, transportation workers, and local communities could face increased risk of mistaken interception or interference with civilian aircraft or lawful drone operations because military personnel may be authorized to override certain federal aviation and criminal statutes.
Homeowners, privacy advocates, and local governments may see FAA authority complicated and civil liberties or liability concerns raised if the DoD's expanded role allows the use of force against drones over private property.
Service members and taxpayers could face increased personal costs or personnel strain because the bill expands circumstances for Guard activation and Selected/Individual Ready Reserve recalls without providing new funding.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Adds the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense into the federal counter-unmanned aircraft coordination framework and authorizes DoD and National Guard participation when a state requests help. It creates a new statutory authority allowing the Secretary of Defense, at a state chief executive's request, to permit National Guard members (on Title 10 or Title 32 orders and assigned certain duties) to take counter-unmanned aircraft actions otherwise restricted by federal criminal statutes and certain aviation rules. Also updates activation and training authorities so Selected Reserve/Individual Ready Reserve members can be ordered to active duty to respond to such emergencies and allows certain National Guard drills and field exercises to support these actions. The bill changes authorities and coordination but provides no new appropriations or dollar amounts.