Should local police get power to disable threatening drones?
The Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5061) would renew federal counter-drone authorities and — for the first time — pilot letting designated state and local law enforcement detect, track, and disable drones that threaten stadiums, airports, and public events. The committee approved it 60-0, and the current state/local pilot authority expires September 30, 2026, forcing the question this fall. Supporters say expiring, patchwork authority leaves mass gatherings exposed; civil-liberties groups warn police could down journalists' and protesters' drones with no due process. Where do you stand?
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The case for
Law enforcement and committee leaders argue hostile drones over stadiums, airports, and mass gatherings are a live threat that today's expiring, federal-only authorities cannot cover, and that trained local agencies need lawful tools to act in the minutes an incident actually unfolds.
Source: House Transportation Committee →The case against
Civil-liberties groups warn counter-drone powers let authorities disable journalists' and protesters' drones with no warrant or due process, and argue any reauthorization needs judicial oversight, transparency reporting, and sunsets before thousands of local agencies get takedown authority.
Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation →My Democracy doesn’t take a side — you choose your position below, and your message carries it. Sources represent one organization on each side; they don’t reflect My Democracy’s position.
This campaign is about this bill
H.R. 5061: Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization ActWhat it does
This bill would reauthorize and modify the legal authority of certain federal agencies to detect, track, and disable unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that pose a potential threat to security.
Latest action: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 0. (Sep 3, 2025)
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What’s your position?
Both sides are laid out above. Your message will carry your position — My Democracy doesn’t take a side.