AUVSI Endorses Guard the Skies Act 

September 17, 2026

AUVSI endorses the Guard the Skies Act (H.R. 8697), bipartisan legislation led by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), alongside original co-sponsors Eli Crane (R-AZ), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), that would give the National Guard statutory authority to conduct counter-UAS missions at the request of states. 

Hostile and unauthorized drones increasingly threaten critical infrastructure, military installations, and large public gatherings, and current law leaves a gap between federal counter-UAS authority and the response capacity states have on the ground. The National Guard is uniquely positioned to help close that gap, training and operating locally, answering to state authorities, and capable of rapid mobilization in response to localized threats. Without the clear statutory authority that this bill provides, that capacity sits underused precisely when it is needed most. 

“The more than 700 drones seized by authorities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup showed the scale of the challenge posed by unauthorized drones and the need to give trusted operators the tools and authorities to respond,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of AUVSI. “The Guard the Skies Act would give the National Guard clear authority to support states when they need help protecting critical sites and major events. AUVSI is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and its effort to strengthen America’s counter-UAS framework.” 

This bill integrates the Department of War into the existing counter-UAS framework under 6 U.S.C. § 124n, extending that authority to National Guard units operating at a state’s request. It also allows National Guard training and drills to be used to build and sustain counter-UAS capabilities, ensuring units are mission-ready when a threat emerges.  

AUVSI thanks Rep. McCaul, Rep. Kaptur, as well as all the bill’s co-sponsors for their efforts in closing this important gap in C-UAS security. We look forward to continued engagement as this bill advances through the legislative process.