US SB159 | 2015-2016 | 114th Congress
Status
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: Introduced on January 13 2015 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2015-01-13 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Pending: Senate Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Status: Introduced on January 13 2015 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2015-01-13 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Pending: Senate Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Summary
A bill to improve the operation of the Department of Homeland Security's Unmanned Aircraft System Program. Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully utilize surveillance and detection capabilities developed or used by federal agencies to enhance the functioning and operational capability to conduct continuous and integrated manned or unmanned monitoring, sensing, or surveillance of 100% of the southern border of the United States. Prohibits DHS from procuring any additional unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) until it provides written certification that it successfully operated its current UAS fleet at least 23,000 hours during the preceding calendar year. Excepts the procurement of unmanned aircraft that do not weigh more than 150 pounds. Requires DHS to: (1) use the best available radar and surveillance technology to increase awareness of illegal border activities along the southern border and to identify gaps in surveillance capabilities; and (2) consult with the Department of Defense to identify best practices that could be used by DHS to improve the security of the southern border. Directs DHS to report biannually on: the number of UAS flight hours required, planned, and flown to provide persistent surveillance along the southern border and the number of flight hours cancelled; the number of UAS flight hours planned in support of any federal or state agency; performance measures regarding the number of hours flown, subjects detected, and apprehensions and illicit drug seizures assisted; and the accumulated cost associated with the UAS Program. Terminates this Act five years after its enactment.
Title
A bill to improve the operation of the Department of Homeland Security's Unmanned Aircraft System Program.
Sponsors
Sen. John McCain [R-AZ] | Sen. Jeff Flake [R-AZ] | Sen. Kelly Ayotte [R-NH] |
History
Date | Chamber | Action |
---|---|---|
2015-01-13 | Senate | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. |
Subjects
Arizona
Aviation and airports
Border security and unlawful immigration
California
Congressional oversight
Crime and law enforcement
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Department of Homeland Security
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Latin America
Mexico
New Mexico
Public contracts and procurement
Smuggling and trafficking
Texas
Aviation and airports
Border security and unlawful immigration
California
Congressional oversight
Crime and law enforcement
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Department of Homeland Security
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Latin America
Mexico
New Mexico
Public contracts and procurement
Smuggling and trafficking
Texas
US Congress State Sources
Type | Source |
---|---|
Summary | https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/159/all-info |
Text | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s159/BILLS-114s159is.pdf |