S-473 : Still Just a Bill

American Security Drone Act of 2023

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

The ban includes associated elements that enable the operator to operate the aircraft in the national airspace system.

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

All executive agencies must account for existing inventories of UAS manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity in their personal property accounting systems.

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 covered foreign entity.

The Office of Management and Budget shall establish a government-wide policy for the procurement of UAS, taking into account information security.

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment must report to Congress on the supply chain for certain UAS.

The bill terminates five years after enactment.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2023-08-22CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 190.Senate
2023-08-22CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters under authority of the order of the Senate of 07/27/2023 without amendment. With written report No. 118-87.Senate
2023-05-17CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.Senate
2023-02-16IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2023-02-16IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

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

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