Guard the Skies Act would let National Guard units intercept drones at major federal events
In committeeH.R. 8697Latest action
Sponsor: Michael T. McCaul · Representative · TX
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Official title: Guard the Skies Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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State governors could request National Guard drone-defense authority at National Special Security Events under this bill.
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What does this do?
HR 8697 would extend drone detection, tracking, and disabling authority to National Guard units, which currently only a small number of federal agencies hold. Governors could request this authority for their Guard units, subject to approval from the Secretary of Defense. Guard members would need to be on official duty orders to exercise these powers, and the bill also authorizes specific training for drone-protection missions.
Who does it affect?
National Guard members would gain new legal authority and training opportunities, and state governors would have a new channel to request drone defense support. Private drone operators flying near protected sites would face the possibility of National Guard intervention in addition to existing federal enforcement.
Why does it matter?
The bill targets security at National Special Security Events, high-profile gatherings such as presidential inaugurations or major summits that already receive extra federal security attention. Expanding authorized personnel could alter how drone threats near those events are detected and addressed.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 7, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 7, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.