Issue: Counter-UAS Authorities

Conflicting laws and regulatory uncertainties currently limit the full potential and hinder adoption of critical technologies for addressing the homeland security threat posed by the misuse and weaponization of drones. The Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018 first authorized new federal agency use of counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (counter-UAS) technologies for threat mitigation; however, state/local agencies and operators of critical infrastructure remain restricted to limited counter-UAS detection and tracking capabilities only, leaving them without the tools to effectively detect and mitigate an actual attack.

SIA POSITION STATEMENT:

SIA supports S. 1631/H.R. 4333, the bipartisan Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, introduced by Rep. Chrissy Houlihan (D-Pa.) and Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), which extends and expands current authorities to use counter-UAS technologies according to the administration’s Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan.