New Bill Aims to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Drone Threats
A lawmaker is taking steps to safeguard key components of America’s infrastructure with a proposed bill.
Republican Rep. Matt Van Epps from Tennessee has introduced the House version of the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act, which was originally championed by Sen. Tom Cotton. Announced on Tuesday, the legislation targets potential drone threats to hospitals, power plants, water treatment facilities, and dams. It also allows subsidies for private companies to acquire government-approved anti-drone technology, possibly extending to data centers as well.
“This bill grants the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with the Secretary of Energy and others, the authority to identify which critical facilities require this protection,” Van Epps shared. “This could encompass everything from major water systems to power plants and data centers.”
He also referenced remarks made by Secretary Markwayne Mullin during a recent House Homeland Security Committee hearing, emphasizing that developing counter-drone capabilities is crucial, particularly with significant events on the horizon. “I agree, but I think the threat is broader. Our adversaries seem to be increasingly using inexpensive, easily deployable drones to strike at the critical infrastructure that sustains our nation,” Van Epps added.
“Hospitals, power plants, water treatment facilities, and other essential infrastructure cannot afford to ignore the risk posed by drones,” Cotton stated when he rolled out the bill back in April. “The aim of my bill is to shield these vital locations from any unauthorized drones.”
During a budget hearing in early June, Rep. Dale Strong from Alabama raised alarm about the potential misuse of drones against civilians, particularly during international events like the 2028 Olympics. “I believe anti-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) technology is my top concern on a daily basis,” he noted during a briefing. “We will definitely be watching what developments occur by 2028 regarding the Olympics.”
The Senate version of the bill proposes to empower companies to utilize counter-drone technology at private critical infrastructure sites and for various other applications.
