H.R. 3334: USCP Empowerment Act of 2025

This bill, known as the USCP Empowerment Act of 2025, aims to enhance the authority of the United States Capitol Police concerning unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that may pose a threat to the safety and security of Capitol facilities and assets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key provisions:

Authority Granted to the Capitol Police

The bill allows the Capitol Police Board to take specific actions to address credible threats from unmanned aircraft systems without needing prior consent. These actions include:

• Detecting and tracking drones: The capability to monitor and follow unmanned aircraft systems during their operation.
• Warning operators: Providing notifications to the drone operators using various means, including electronic and radio signals.
• Disrupting control: The capacity to interfere with the communications that operate the drone, potentially leading to its disablement.
• Seizing drones: Taking physical control of the unmanned aircraft system or confiscating it.
• Using force if necessary: Allowing reasonable measures to damage or destroy a drone if required to eliminate the threat.

Coordination and Oversight

The Capitol Police Board is required to coordinate its actions with the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that their operations do not compromise aviation safety or civilian operations. There is also a mandate for research and training regarding the equipment and technology used in these operations.

Privacy Protections

To protect individuals' privacy rights, the bill stipulates that any interception of communications from drones must adhere to constitutional provisions. Key requirements include:

• Maintaining compliance with the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
• Limiting the acquisition or interception of communications strictly to what is necessary for threat mitigation.
• Keeping records of such communications for no longer than 180 days unless further retention is warranted for legal or investigative reasons.
• Restricting the sharing of intercepted communications outside the Capitol Police unless required by law.

Reporting Requirements

Within six months after the enactment of the bill and biannually thereafter, the Chief of the Capitol Police must provide a report to Congress detailing:

• Policies and procedures established for managing threats from drones.
• Documented instances of actions taken against drones, including any that led to personal injury or property damage.
• Information about privacy and civil rights considerations related to these actions.
• Steps taken to mitigate any impacts on national airspace from these activities.

Duration and Scope

The operational authorities granted by this bill will terminate on a specified date as outlined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Importantly, the Capitol Police are not allowed to implement any other programs for mitigating threats from unmanned aircraft systems beyond those stipulated in this legislation.

Definitions

The bill identifies key terms, including what constitutes an unmanned aircraft system and the specific facilities and areas the authority applies to, which predominantly encompass Capitol buildings and grounds.

Relevant Companies

None found.