Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act

## Summary This bill, titled the *Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act*, extends the legal authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect specific facilities and assets from threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The original authority, established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, was set to expire on September 30, 2025. The bill pushes this expiration date to September 30, 2028, allowing DHS and DOJ to continue deploying counter-drone technologies and measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, federal buildings, and other designated sites. The extension aims to address ongoing security risks from unauthorized or malicious drone activity, such as potential surveillance, smuggling, or physical attacks, while ensuring agencies operate within defined legal boundaries. ## Key Points - Extends the expiration date of existing counter-drone authority for DHS and DOJ from 2025 to 2028. - Maintains the ability of these agencies to use technology to detect, monitor, and mitigate threats from UAS near protected facilities. - Does not expand the scope of the original authority but preserves current operational capabilities. - Targets security risks such as unauthorized surveillance, trespassing, or attacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., airports, power plants, prisons). - Requires no new funding or regulatory changes, as it simply prolongs existing provisions. ## Impact Areas - Primary: DHS and DOJ operations, including law enforcement and security personnel tasked with protecting federal facilities. - Secondary: Critical infrastructure owners/operators (e.g., energy facilities, transportation hubs) who rely on federal support for drone threat mitigation. - Additional: Drone industry and hobbyists, as the bill reinforces legal frameworks for responsible UAS use, and public safety by reducing risks from rogue drones. *Note: "Counter-UAS" refers to systems designed to detect, track, or neutralize drones that pose safety or security risks.*