McCaul, Colleagues Introduce Guard the Skies Act to Empower National Guard to Counter Drone Threats at Special Events

WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul - chairman of the Homeland Security Committee's Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events - introduced the Guard the Skies Act along with Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). The Guard the Skies Act grants the National Guard explicit authority to counter threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) - commonly known as drones - while remaining under the direction and control of state governors. Countering drone threats has been a top priority of the task force as our nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and celebrate America250. Reps. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.) also joined the legislation as original cosponsors.

"From foreign adversaries to transnational criminal organizations, hostile actors have increasingly adopted drone technology to target critical infrastructure and innocent civilians. As the United States prepares to host millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup, America250 celebrations, and eventually the Olympics, we must be prepared to intercept and neutralize this evolving threat," said Chairman McCaul. "The Guard the Skies Act would leverage the National Guard - a force uniquely positioned for rapid deployment and crisis response - to protect our skies and the large-scale gatherings below. I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort to ensure these events reflect American excellence in every aspect, including our security posture."

"Russia and Iran's attacks on US servicemembers in the Middle East have underscored the urgent threat posed by unmanned systems," said Rep. Kaptur. "That is why I am proud to help lead this legislation to expand counter-drone training in the United States. America must learn the lessons of modern warfare by strengthening our defenses against emerging threats. Unmanned systems are transforming the battlefield with major implications for national security. Just as the 180th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard, which I am proud to represent in Northwest Ohio, protected our northern border and patrolled the skies after the September 11 attacks, we must be prepared to confront today's challenges. This legislation is an important step toward strengthening our national security and equipping National Guardsmen with critical skills they can use both in service and civilian life."

"As America prepares to host major global events, including the World Cup and the Summer Olympics, we cannot afford any gaps in our deterrence posture," said Rep. Crane. "I'm honored to co-lead the Guard the Skies Act, which authorizes the National Guard to help protect critical facilities and events from hostile or unauthorized unmanned aircraft. I'm grateful for Chairman McCaul's leadership in spearheading this effort, as well as the partnership of Reps. Gottheimer and Kaptur in advancing this bipartisan initiative."

"Law enforcement needs every tool available at their disposal to keep spectators and communities safe at the upcoming World Cup," said Rep. Gottheimer. "I'm proud to co-lead the Guard the Skies Act to ensure we have the resources necessary to combat drone threats and keep the skies above the World Cup secure."

Background:

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, U.S. host cities will face an unprecedented, high-threat security environment. Securing this massive footprint requires a layered defense. The Safer Skies Act, which passed in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, was an essential first step in granting State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement the authority to counter rogue drones and localized threats. However, a sophisticated drone operation deployed by a malign actor would present a fundamentally different and more complex threat, requiring capabilities beyond the traditional scope and scale of civilian policing. With its rapid deployability, nationwide scalability, and extensive experience responding to domestic emergencies, the National Guard is uniquely positioned to assist federal and state authorities with C-UAS mitigation and unified coordination for events of this magnitude. The Guard the Skies Act would empower the National Guard to act as a crucial force multiplier, partnering with local authorities to help tackle complex airspace threats and ensure safe skies.

McCaul and Crane also recently wrote to administration officials, urging them to immediately deputize the National Guard under DHS and DOJ to perform counter-UAS mitigation at the FIFA World Cup. The Guard the Skies Act would provide more permanent and comprehensive authorities available to federal and state governments.

Click here to read full text of the Guard the Skies Act.

Click here to read McCaul and Crane's letter to the administration.

###