WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced his introduction of the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act, legislation that would codify President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.

The Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act works to address the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, by criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors who have recently intensified their use of drone technology.

“A safe and secure airspace is critical to national security, which is why I’m introducing legislation to codify President Trump’s executive order to protect against unlawful drone activity over military bases, power facilities, and other critical infrastructure sites that not only disrupts operations but poses a serious threat to public safety and airspace sovereignty,” said Rep. Finstad.

Specifically, the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act:

• Establishes a task force to restore American Airspace Sovereignty, chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
• Requires the FAA to submit a notice of proposed rulemaking to OMB and the task force to restrict drone flights over fixed site facilities and critical infrastructure.
• Requires the Attorney General and the FAA Administrator to ensure the full enforcement of applicable civil and criminal laws for drone operators who endanger the public.
• Allows executive departments to employ equipment to detect, track, and identify drones in compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
• Orders the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to explore integrating counter-UAS operations for the purpose of protecting mass gathering events.

Additionally, Congressman Finstad joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) in introducing the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies (LIFT) Act, legislation which would codify portions of President Trump’s Executive Order on Unleashing American Drone Dominance.

The Local Innovation for Flight Technologies (LIFT) Act:

• Requires DOT to issue a proposed rule for BVLOS operations for UAS.
• Requires the use of AI systems in FAA/DOT waiver determinations.
• Establishes an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) pilot program to provide grants to state and local governments to accelerate the deployment of eVTOL operations.

“Drones have reshaped many private sector industries, like retail, healthcare, and agriculture, while also becoming indispensable tools for our military and law enforcement. As drones become increasingly common in our daily lives, we must continue to innovate in a safe, secure manner. This is why I’ve joined Rep. Kiggans in introducing the LIFT Act, to ensure the Department of Transportation can move forward in a way that preserves the balance between the safety of our airspace and the growth that’s reshaping our country’s aviation, transportation, and commerce,” said Rep. Finstad.

Rep. Kiggans said, “Technology is evolving rapidly—it’s time for our laws and regulations to keep up. Under current law, civilian drone use is inhibited by a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulation. This is keeping industries from being able to fully embrace the breadth of possibilities surrounding drone usage. My LIFT Act aims to change that.”

Read the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act bill text here.

Read the LIFT Act bill text here.