The White House is intensifying its efforts to secure congressional approval for enhanced drone countermeasures as the United States prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. According to multiple sources, the administration is pushing lawmakers to grant federal agencies greater authority to address drone threats in domestic airspace, which has drawn opposition from the Senate Commerce Committee, led by Senator Ted Cruz. The committee, which oversees aviation matters, has raised concerns about potential federal overreach, arguing that the proposed expansion of counter-drone powers may infringe on regulatory boundaries. The administration’s request is part of a broader strategy to bolster national security ahead of major international events, including the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The White House has already announced a $500 million initiative to assist state and local governments in developing anti-drone strategies, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Despite bipartisan support from some lawmakers, the Senate Commerce Committee’s resistance highlights the political challenges of implementing such measures, with concerns over governmental overreach remaining a contentious issue in the legislative process. A person granted anonymity to discuss private negotiations said Senate Commerce views the draft provision as an ‘extremely problematic’ power grab that would give federal security officials too much leeway in determining how best to ‘protect the public.’ However, Senator Eric Schmitt, a Missouri Republican on Senate Commerce, has publicly supported tougher counter-drone legislation, noting that Kansas City, Mo., will host six World Cup matches next year. Schmitt’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of addressing unauthorized drone risks to national security and expressed willingness to collaborate with congressional colleagues.
The proposal, which would grant new powers to the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice for large-scale public gatherings and critical infrastructure, faces significant hurdles in the legislative process. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are working to finalize the defense bill by early next week, and the White House has been actively engaging with both Republican and Democratic leadership to secure legislative backing. The administration’s push reflects growing concerns about the potential for drone-related threats in major events, as well as the need for a coordinated national strategy to mitigate such risks. While the final outcome remains uncertain, the White House’s efforts highlight the complex intersection of national security, legislative oversight, and the need for robust security measures ahead of high-profile international gatherings.