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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Jack Daleo

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

Key Takeaways:

A coalition of over 30 U.S. governors is urging Congress to enact stronger counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) measures due to a surge in unauthorized drone sightings near critical infrastructure, public events, and military installations.
The governors argue that current federal C-UAS authority is insufficient, calling for legislation to grant state and local law enforcement the power to detect and mitigate unauthorized drones and to improve communication between agencies.
The demand for enhanced C-UAS capabilities is driven by rising safety incidents and disruptions, with several legislative proposals and FAA regulatory changes (like the proposed Part 108 for expanded drone operations) currently being pursued to address these evolving challenges.

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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.