119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9232
The Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act would authorize private owners and operators of critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants and electrical substations, to use counter-drone technologies to detect, track, and disable unmanned aircraft systems that pose threats to their operations. Currently, only federal agencies and trained state and local law enforcement have clear authority to use such countermeasures, but this bill closes that gap by allowing certified personnel at critical facilities to take protective action after completing training and certification programs. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish a national certification program within 180 days and coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure activities don't interfere with civilian air traffic. It provides $250 million in grant funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to help critical infrastructure owners purchase and install approved counter-drone systems, and it grants liability protection to facility owners and authorized personnel who act in accordance with the law. The authority granted under this bill would expire on September 30, 2031.