Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

This bill would allow owners and operators of certain high-risk critical infrastructure sites, such as nuclear power plants and key power grid facilities, to take action against drones that pose a credible threat to their sites. Only personnel trained and certified through a new national program run by the Department of Homeland Security could use this authority, and drones seized could be forfeited. The bill would create a grant program, with $250 million authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to help these owners buy and operate approved counter-drone systems. It would protect owners and personnel from civil or criminal liability for authorized actions, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The new authority would end on September 30, 2031.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tom Cotton Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors