U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has introduced legislation aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from unauthorized drone activity.
The proposed Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act would give federally trained personnel the authority and tools to respond to unmanned aerial threats in real time.
Cotton said the bill is designed to address growing concerns about drones near sensitive sites.
“Our hospitals, power plants, water treatment facilities and other critical infrastructure sites can’t remain sitting ducks for potential drone attacks,” Cotton said. “My bill will ensure these important sites are protected from all unauthorized drones.”
The legislation would allow designated sites to take down unauthorized drones and would establish a grant program to help facilities purchase and operate approved counter-drone technology.
Critical infrastructure includes assets such as power plants, nuclear facilities, airports, pipelines and dams, which are considered vital to national security, the economy and public safety.
The bill builds on bipartisan counter-drone measures previously introduced by Cotton and included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
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