S-73 : Still Just a Bill

American Security Drone Act of 2021

This bill bans the procurement or use by the federal government of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are manufactured or assembled by certain entities, including entities subject to influence or control by China, with exceptions.

The ban includes associated elements that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice are exempt from the restriction under specified circumstances. The bill sets forth further exemptions regarding the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Federal funds may not be used to procure certain UAS from a foreign entity, with exceptions. All executive agencies must account for existing inventories of UAS manufactured or assembled by a foreign entity in their personal property accounting systems. Inventory data related to UAS manufactured or assembled by a foreign entity may be tracked at a classified level.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall prescribe regulations or guidance to implement this bill's requirements pertaining to federal contracts.

Government-issued purchase cards may not be used to procure any UAS from a foreign entity.

The Office of Management and Budget shall (1) establish a government-wide policy for the procurement of UAS, taking into account information security; and (2) contract with a federally funded research and development center to study certain UAS-related issues.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2022-12-19CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 666.Senate
2022-12-19CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters without amendment. With written report No. 117-267.Senate
2021-05-12CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.Senate
2021-01-27IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2021-01-27IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Government Operations and Politics
See Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Asia
  • Aviation and airports
  • China
  • Computer security and identity theft
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Economic performance and conditions
  • Foreign and international corporations
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Homeland security
  • Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
  • Military procurement, research, weapons development
  • Public contracts and procurement

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