H.R. 8189: American Security Robotics Act of 2026

This bill, known as the American Security Robotics Act of 2026, aims to establish restrictions on the procurement and operation of certain unmanned ground vehicle systems by U.S. executive agencies. Here are the key points of the bill:

Definitions

• Covered nation: Refers to specific foreign nations as defined in U.S. law.
• Covered foreign entity: A company or organization that is either located in a covered nation, controlled by a covered nation's government, or a subsidiary of such an entity.
• Covered unmanned ground vehicle system: Any unmanned ground vehicle system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.
• Executive agency: Refers to federal agencies as defined in U.S. law.
• Unmanned ground vehicle system: Any system that includes a robotic device capable of moving on the ground and operating remotely, along with its related payload and control devices.

Prohibition on Procurement

The bill stipulates that executive agencies are forbidden from procuring any covered unmanned ground vehicle systems. This means they cannot buy these systems from foreign entities that meet the criteria described in the definitions.

Prohibition on Operation

Starting one year after the bill is enacted, executive agencies will also be prohibited from operating any covered unmanned ground vehicle systems, even if these systems were previously procured. This ban applies to systems used through contracts as well.

Prohibition on Federal Funds

The bill further states that no federal funds may be used to procure or operate covered unmanned ground vehicle systems beginning one year after the enactment of this Act.

Exemptions

There are provisions for exemptions where an agency can be exempt from these prohibitions if:

• The procurement or operation is deemed in the national interest of the U.S.
• The purpose is for research, evaluation, training, testing, or certain security operations, and specific cybersecurity measures are in place to ensure that these systems do not pose national security risks.

Agencies Covered Under the Exemption

The agencies that can seek exemptions include:

• The Department of Homeland Security
• The Department of Defense
• The Department of State
• The Department of Justice

In summary, the bill aims to limit the involvement of foreign-manufactured unmanned ground vehicle systems in U.S. government operations, focusing primarily on national security concerns through a framework of prohibitions and exemptions.

Relevant Companies

• None found