House BillHR 7379Science, Technology, Communications
NASA C-UAS Act
INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
13MIN
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Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it addresses a growing concern about the security of critical government infrastructure, particularly from unauthorized or malicious drone activity. If passed, it would significantly strengthen NASA's ability to protect its sensitive space launch facilities, research centers, and valuable assets, which are crucial for national security and scientific advancement. This could prevent potential espionage, sabotage, or accidental interference that could jeopardize costly missions or endanger personnel.
Without this bill, NASA's legal authority to proactively counter drone threats is limited, leaving its vital operations potentially vulnerable. However, the bill's provisions also raise important questions about the balance between enhanced security powers and potential impacts on the national airspace system, legitimate drone operations, and privacy, given that it allows for interception of communications and overrides existing laws.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Grants NASA authority to detect, identify, monitor, and track unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that pose threats to its facilities and assets.
This is crucial for protecting sensitive space assets and missions from potential security breaches or interference.
PROVISION 02
Allows NASA to intercept communications used to control threatening drones, overriding certain existing federal laws related to communications, criminal activity, and transportation.
This provides a powerful tool for understanding and potentially mitigating drone threats, but also raises questions about privacy and jurisdictional boundaries.
PROVISION 03
Requires NASA to identify its high-risk facilities based on a detailed threat and risk assessment before applying these new counter-drone authorities.
This ensures that the authority is applied strategically to the most vulnerable assets, prioritizing resources and minimizing potential overreach.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes NASA to conduct research, testing, training, and evaluation of counter-UAS equipment, involving both security and non-security personnel.
This enables NASA to develop and implement effective counter-drone technologies and ensures its staff are properly prepared.
PROVISION 05
Mandates coordination with the Secretary (likely of Transportation) to ensure counter-drone activities do not compromise the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system.
This balances NASA's security needs with broader aviation safety and operational concerns.
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it addresses a growing concern about the security of critical government infrastructure, particularly from unauthorized or malicious drone activity. If passed, it would significantly strengthen NASA's ability to protect its sensitive space launch facilities, research centers, and valuable assets, which are crucial for national security and scientific advancement. This could prevent potential espionage, sabotage, or accidental interference that could jeopardize costly missions or endanger personnel.
Without this bill, NASA's legal authority to proactively counter drone threats is limited, leaving its vital operations potentially vulnerable. However, the bill's provisions also raise important questions about the balance between enhanced security powers and potential impacts on the national airspace system, legitimate drone operations, and privacy, given that it allows for interception of communications and overrides existing laws.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Grants NASA authority to detect, identify, monitor, and track unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that pose threats to its facilities and assets.
This is crucial for protecting sensitive space assets and missions from potential security breaches or interference.
high
Allows NASA to intercept communications used to control threatening drones, overriding certain existing federal laws related to communications, criminal activity, and transportation.
This provides a powerful tool for understanding and potentially mitigating drone threats, but also raises questions about privacy and jurisdictional boundaries.
med
Requires NASA to identify its high-risk facilities based on a detailed threat and risk assessment before applying these new counter-drone authorities.
This ensures that the authority is applied strategically to the most vulnerable assets, prioritizing resources and minimizing potential overreach.
med
Authorizes NASA to conduct research, testing, training, and evaluation of counter-UAS equipment, involving both security and non-security personnel.
This enables NASA to develop and implement effective counter-drone technologies and ensures its staff are properly prepared.
med
Mandates coordination with the Secretary (likely of Transportation) to ensure counter-drone activities do not compromise the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system.
This balances NASA's security needs with broader aviation safety and operational concerns.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
A drone or any aircraft that does not have a human pilot on board, along with its control system and related equipment.
Administrator
Refers to the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Notwithstanding
A legal term meaning 'in spite of' or 'without regard to.' It indicates that a new rule or authority takes precedence over specified existing laws.
Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code
A specific section within federal law that outlines the legal framework for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Credible threat
A drone or drone system that, based on available information, is reasonably likely to pose a danger to NASA's safety or security.
Intercept
To listen in on or access communications, such as those used to control a drone, without the sender's knowledge or consent.
National Airspace System (NAS)
The common network of U.S. airspace, air navigation facilities, and air traffic control services that all aircraft use.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
FEB 5
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
COMMITTEE
FEB 4
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 4
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
