What does Preamble of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To grant authority to use counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies to private owners of critical infrastructure facilities, and for other purposes,' aims to authorize private owners of critical infrastructure facilities to utilize counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 9, 2026, by Mr. Van Epps.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

What does FINDINGS. of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

The North American electric grid faces threats from unmanned aircraft systems Private owners of critical infrastructure lack authority to mitigate unmanned aircraft threats Prompt action is required to protect critical infrastructure

What does DRONE COUNTERMEASURES FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OWNERS AND of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

This section amends Section 210G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to grant critical infrastructure owners and operators authority to take actions to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), subject to training and certification. Seized UAS are subject to forfeiture under the jurisdiction where the seizure occurred. The Secretary, in coordination with other agencies, must establish a national certification program within 180 days of the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act's enactment, including standards for proficiency and use of authorized technologies. The Secretary must submit reports to congressional committees, including unclassified reports with classified annexes, on activities carried out by certified personnel. The authority granted to critical infrastructure facilities under this section terminates on September 30, 2031. The term 'covered critical infrastructure facility' is defined as a high-risk site designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, including nuclear generating stations and key substations. Personnel, for purposes of subsection (a)(3), includes officers, employees, or contractors assigned security duties.

What does CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM GRANT of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

This section establishes a grant program for critical infrastructure owners and operators to acquire counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS). The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, will administer the program. Grants are available to owners and operators of covered critical infrastructure facilities, as defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The program authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

What does LIABILITY PROTECTION. of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

This section establishes liability protection for actions taken under subsection (a)(3) of section 210G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Actions taken in accordance with the authorities granted are deemed to be Federal actions. Owners, operators, and authorized personnel are protected from civil or criminal claims arising from authorized actions. Liability is not protected in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

What does RULEMAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION. of Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act do?

The Secretary of Homeland Security must issue regulations within 180 days of enactment. Regulations will implement the Act, including real-time coordination procedures. Multiple federal agencies will coordinate on the regulations.

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Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

Last updated: 6/9/2026 · Introduced: 6/9/2026

Author: Matt Van Epps (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill authorizes private owners of critical infrastructure facilities to utilize counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems.
A grant program is established to provide funding for critical infrastructure owners and operators to acquire counter-unmanned aircraft systems, with $250,000,000 authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
The bill provides liability protection for actions taken by critical infrastructure owners, operators, and authorized personnel in accordance with the authorities granted, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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