WASHINGTON D.C. –– Today, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, announced a hearing for next Wednesday, July 9, to assess federal legal authorities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), or drones, and examine areas for reform. This hearing has been postponed until further notice.

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“Recent drone sightings across the country are alarming and concerning. In the wrong hands, drones could be weaponized to conduct surveillance on sensitive sites, hinder law enforcement efforts, and even disrupt critical infrastructure sectors—including in my home state of Texas,” Chairman Pfluger said. “With authorities set to lapse this fall, it’s critical for Congress to renew counter-UAS authorities for federal agencies and examine any gaps in this legal framework that could impact state and local agencies. I look forward to discussing ways Congress can help ensure proper coordination between all levels of law enforcement in the mission to protect our communities from adversarial drone use.”

DETAILS:

What: A Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence hearing entitled, “Threats on the Horizon: Closing the C-UAS Authority Gap for State and Local Responders.”

When: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00AM ET 

Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building  

WITNESSES: 

Steven A. Willoughby 
Deputy Director, Counter-UAS Program, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Michael Bouchard 
Sheriff, Oakland County, Michigan

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be opened to the public and the press. Press must be congressionally credentialed and should RSVP in advance.  

BACKGROUND:

On May 6, 2025, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) and Vice Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) announced the establishment of the “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States,” which will conduct oversight of security preparations for major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The task force will also examine potential security threats to these events including drone incursions. 

Last Congress, Chairman Green introduced the “Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act of 2024.” The legislation would renew and reform current legal authorities that provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) with critical tools to mitigate credible UAS threats.

In December 2024, following heightened concerns regarding suspicious drones in the homeland and near U.S. military bases abroad, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence and Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security held a joint hearing to examine the full scope of the homeland security threats posed by drones to U.S. critical infrastructure and other sensitive sites. 

In May 2024, the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence held a joint hearing during National Police Week to examine how first responders are using UAS to improve public safety in communities throughout the nation, while considering possible national security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns.

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