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 Senate on April 22, 2026, by Mr. Cotton.

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?

This section establishes findings regarding threats to critical infrastructure from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It notes that Federal agencies and law enforcement have authority to counter UAS activities. The section identifies a gap in statutory authority for private owners and operators of critical infrastructure to independently address UAS threats. It states that prompt action is needed to protect the reliability of the bulk power system and other 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). The authority granted under subsection (a)(3) is subject to training and certification detailed in subsection (d)(3). UAS seized pursuant to subsection (a)(3) are subject to forfeiture under the laws of the jurisdiction where the seizure occurred. A national certification program will be established within 180 days of the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act's enactment, outlining standards for legal, operational, and technical proficiency. The certification program will utilize only counter-UAS technologies included on a joint authorized list. The Secretary, in coordination with other agencies, must submit reports to congressional committees on activities carried out by critical infrastructure owners and operators exercising this authority. The authority relating to critical infrastructure facilities established under subsection (a)(3) terminates on September 30, 2031. A '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.

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

This section establishes a grant program to assist critical infrastructure owners and operators in acquiring 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 over 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, as amended by this Act. Actions taken in accordance with these authorities are considered Federal actions for liability purposes. Owners, operators, and authorized personnel are shielded from civil or criminal claims arising from authorized actions, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

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

This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue regulations and guidance within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The rulemaking process must be coordinated with the Secretary of Energy, the Attorney General, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The regulations and guidance are intended to implement this Act, including procedures for real-time coordination with the national airspace system.

Back to bills

Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Tom Cotton (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes private owners of designated critical infrastructure facilities to utilize counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies to mitigate threats, subject to training, certification, and a sunset date of September 30, 2031.
The bill establishes a grant program, allocating $250 million over five years, to help critical infrastructure owners and operators acquire C-UAS systems.
It provides liability protection for critical infrastructure owners and operators taking authorized actions against unmanned aircraft systems, excluding cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

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

7 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account