U.S. Governors Request Federal Assistance to Counter Drones

Letter urges the expansion of mitigation authority to state and local law enforcement.

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Jack Daleo

Drones increasingly pose a threat to critical infrastructure and public safety, governors say. [Courtesy: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

More than 30 U.S. governors are urging Congress to enact stronger counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures, granting states authority to detect and mitigate drones, citing increased threats to critical infrastructure and public safety.
Current federal C-UAS authority is limited to the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, leaving states largely unable to address the rising number of unauthorized drone sightings near sensitive areas and public events.
Multiple legislative efforts, including the DEFENSE Act and the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, are advancing to expand C-UAS capabilities for state and local law enforcement.
The call for action is urgent, prompted by a spike in drone activity, near-misses with crewed aircraft, and anticipated FAA regulations (Part 108) that will significantly expand drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight.

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A group of more than 30 U.S. state and territorial governors is calling on Congress to enact stronger counter uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures amid a spate of drone sightings reported near airports, public events, and military installations.

There are more than 1 million drones registered with the FAA, a number that has spiked in recent years. Under an interagency agreement that lays out federal C-UAS authority, only the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) can mitigate unauthorized drones, and only in certain cases.