United States 119th Congress Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HR 709 — National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act

Last action — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 23, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Stalled 16% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems.Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology.Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

6 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds new sections to the Homeland Security Act to establish counter-UAS system training and qualification standards.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary (acting through the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers), may-- (1) provide training relating to measures to take the actions described in subsection (b)(1) of section 210G; and (2) establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers for the purpose described in paragraph (1).

    This establishes the authority to provide training for counter-UAS operations and designate training facilities.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    The Secretary of Homeland Security and Attorney General, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology.

    This mandates the development of training and certification standards for counter-UAS operators.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    To carry out subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General shall, at a minimum-- (1) consider the potential impacts of the systems, equipment, and technology referred to in such subsection on aviation safety, civil aviation and aerospace operations, aircraft airworthiness, or the civilian use of airspace, and appropriate actions to maintain aviation safety, as determined by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration; and (2) establish-- (A) interagency coordination requirements prior to deployment of such systems, equipment, and technology; and (B) the frequency at which an individual authorized to operate such systems, equipment, or technology shall complete and renew such training or certification.

    This specifies requirements for considering safety impacts and creating coordination protocols before deploying counter-UAS systems.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    In this section: (1) UAS.--The term 'UAS' means an unmanned aircraft system. (2) Unmanned aircraft.--The term 'unmanned aircraft' has the meaning given such term in section 44801, of title 49, United States Code. (3) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term 'unmanned aircraft system' has the meaning given such term in section 44801, of title 49, United States Code.

    This introduces definitions for UAS and unmanned aircraft, referencing existing law for clarity.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    Sec. 210H. Counter-UAS system training.

    This adds a new section header for counter-UAS system training in the Homeland Security Act.

  • 6 U.S.C. 121

    Sec. 210I. Counter-UAS detection and mitigation system operator qualification and training criteria.

    This adds a new section header for operator qualifications related to counter-UAS systems.

Action History

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.

  5. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety transportation technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 709 do?
National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems.Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology.Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.
Who sponsors HR 709?
HR 709 is sponsored by Strong, Dale W. (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 709?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 23, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HR 709?
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