Mike Lee Introduces Guard the Skies Act Empowering National Guard to Stop Drone Threats - Senator Mike Lee

WASHINGTO N– Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Guard the Skies Act, which grants the National Guard the authority to counter threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — commonly known as drones — while remaining under the direction and control of state governors. The legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). “Drones in the wrong hands pose a significant threat to homeland security, and America cannot afford to assume that such an attack will never happen,” said Senator Lee . “Major events like concerts, rallies, races, and sports—including the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah—should be secured. The Guard the Skies Act authorizes the National Guard to cooperate with state governors to counter unmanned arial system (UAS) threats against Americans, protecting our people from harm and our infrastructure from sabotage.” “AUVSI applauds Senator Lee for introducing legislation that strengthens America’s ability to protect its skies from unlawful and dangerous drone use. As states work to secure critical infrastructure and large public gatherings, the National Guard is a force they should be able to call on, and the Guard the Skies Act gives it the clear authority to act. Putting a trained, locally rooted, rapidly deployable force to work on counter-UAS missions will make those sites and events safer. We look forward to working with Congress, and with the AUVSI members building these capabilities, to advance this bill and get it enacted into law.” – Heather Lee, Interim President & CEO of Association for Uncrewed Vehicles International Background: The National Guard is currently not authorized to engage in jamming, intercepting, or downing drone threats in any capacity. While the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the Safer Skies Act, which devolved state and local law enforcement authority to conduct certain C-UAS activities, the lack of authority for the National Guard is a critical gap. Current federal agencies with C-UAS authority are spread too thin while state and local law enforcement lack resources and capacity to cover all major threats. The National Guard is well-positioned to help mitigate threats and to coordinate state- and national-level coordination on C-UAS. The Guard the Skies Act would empower the National Guard to act as a crucial force multiplier, partnering with local authorities to help tackle complex airspace threats and ensure safe skies. You can read the bill here .