Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act

Bill Summary: HR 2775 - Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act

Overview

The Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act (HR 2775) is a legislative proposal aimed at evaluating the viability and efficacy of using unmanned aerial systems (drones) to enhance United States border security. The primary focus of the bill is to determine how drone technology can be leveraged to detect and disrupt the smuggling of narcotics and illegal goods via maritime routes or low-altitude flights along the U.S. coastline.

Key Provisions

The bill mandates a formal assessment to be conducted by the executive branch. The core requirements are as follows:

• Mandated Assessment: The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to produce a comprehensive report analyzing the effectiveness, risks, and potential of deploying drones for coastal surveillance and interdiction.
• Collaborative Input: The Secretary must conduct this assessment in consultation with other relevant Federal departments or agencies as deemed necessary.
• Target Areas: The assessment must specifically focus on:
  • Major trafficking corridors throughout the United States.
  • Communities located in remote, insular (island), or otherwise hard-to-reach areas.
• Reporting Timeline: The final assessment must be submitted to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

Impact and Affected Parties

This bill is primarily an investigative and planning measure rather than a mandate for immediate deployment. Its impact includes:

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Will be responsible for the research, coordination, and drafting of the assessment.
• Federal Law Enforcement: Agencies involved in counter-narcotics and border security will likely contribute data and expertise to the report.
• Border Security Infrastructure: If the assessment proves favorable, it could pave the way for future funding and the permanent deployment of drone fleets along the U.S. coastline.
• Coastal Communities: Areas currently vulnerable to smuggling due to geographic isolation may see a future increase in surveillance and security presence.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: April 9, 2025
• Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement for further review.