Us Congress House Bill HB3974

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/23
• Refer: 6/9/23

Caption

Securing Our Airspace from Reconnaissance Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 3974 will significantly impact federal procurement processes by restricting acquisition contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements pertaining to unmanned aircraft systems sourced from foreign entities. Exemptions will be provided for certain entities under stringent conditions laid out in the legislation. Such measures are intended to bolster domestic production and reliance on U.S.-made technology, thereby enhancing national security.

Summary

House Bill 3974, titled the 'Securing Our Airspace from Reconnaissance Act of 2023', aims to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the purchase and operation of unmanned aircraft systems from foreign entities. This legislation targets unmanned systems manufactured or assembled by entities deemed a security risk, particularly those connected to countries like China. The bill seeks to safeguard U.S. airspace and national security by ensuring that critical airspace operations are not reliant on foreign technology that may pose cybersecurity threats.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill revolve around the balance between national security and the implications for international trade and cooperation. Critics may argue that the restrictions could stifle innovation in the unmanned systems sector by limiting access to foreign technology that may be integral to advancing U.S. capabilities. Additionally, opponents may caution against the possibility of retaliatory measures from affected countries that could impact U.S. businesses engaged in global markets.