Bills · S 1793
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1793Armed Forces and National Security
COUNTER Act
INTRO MAY 15· LAST ACTION MAY 15
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
38BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it strengthens the government's ability to respond to the growing threat posed by drones, whether from foreign adversaries, terrorists, or even accidental incursions by recreational users. As drones become more common and advanced, they pose potential risks to national security, critical infrastructure, and public safety. If this bill becomes law, the Department of Defense will have clearer, broader, and more readily delegated authority to quickly identify and neutralize drone threats, both domestically over military assets and internationally.
Without this bill, the DoD's existing authorities might be seen as less flexible or face legal ambiguities, potentially slowing down responses to drone incursions. The expanded scope, including support for other agencies and during emergencies, means a more coordinated national response to complex incidents. However, the exemption of operational details from public disclosure could lead to concerns about transparency regarding the government's use of these powerful capabilities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The Secretary of Defense must delegate the authority to counter drones to unified combatant command commanders or other Department of Defense officials.
Ensures that vital decision-making power to counter drone threats is readily available at operational levels, speeding up response times.
PROVISION 02
The Department of Defense's authority to counter drones now explicitly includes supporting other federal agencies, assisting in specific emergencies, and protecting certain military properties.
Allows for a more comprehensive and coordinated national response to drone threats and high-stakes emergencies.
PROVISION 03
Certain criminal laws will not apply to Department of Defense or Coast Guard counter-drone activities conducted outside the United States.
Provides legal clarity and protection for personnel engaged in foreign counter-drone missions, reducing potential legal hurdles.
PROVISION 04
Information about counter-drone technology, procedures, and protocols will be exempt from public disclosure requests, such as those under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Aims to protect sensitive national security methods and technologies from being revealed to potential adversaries.
PROVISION 05
Several deadlines for reports and reviews related to counter-drone activities are extended, some until late 2030.
Provides more time for ongoing assessment and adaptation of counter-drone strategies and technologies.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 38
R· Arkansas
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
97
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 59%
DEM 11 REP 26 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 15
Introduced in Senate
MAY 15
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1793
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 15, 2025
Last actionMay 15, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 15, 2025
Senate BillS 1793Armed Forces and National Security
COUNTER Act
INTRODUCED MAY 15, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 15, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
38
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
