December 19, 2025
NDAA Provisions and What They Mean for Policing
President Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law on December 18, 2026. While the NDAA primarily focuses on national defense, it also contains numerous provisions unrelated to the Defense Department because Congress recognizes this as one of the few “must-pass” pieces of legislation this year. As a result, the bill includes measures that directly impact policing and public safety, such as new authority for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies to address dangerous drones, along with provisions related to officer safety, family benefits, and child protection.
Counter-Drone Authority (SAFER SKIES Act)
For the first time, federal law creates a pathway for trained SLTT policing and corrections agencies to take action against dangerous drones. Once the program is implemented, eligible agencies will be able to detect and track a drone, identify the operator, and, if the drone poses a safety threat, SLTT can now disrupt or stop it. These authorities apply in situations involving large public events, critical infrastructure, public spaces, and correctional facilities.
Importantly, there are a number of restrictions that come with this authority, for example, officers must complete federal training and certification, agencies may use only federally approved technologies, and any drone mitigation action must be reported to federal authorities.
During NDAA negotiations, IACP urged Congressional Leadership to include clear counter-drone authority for SLTT agencies. The final bill reflects many of the recommendations that IACP proposed and supported.
The letter to congressional leadership can be found by clicking here.
The bill also includes the IACP supported “Honoring Our Fallen Heroes” act that would expand eligibility for federal benefits to families of first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled due to service-related cancers. It clarifies that certain cancer-related deaths and disabilities may qualify for benefits under federal programs. This change provides clearer statutory guidance on eligibility in these cases.
Additionally, the bill includes several other provisions relative to the policing profession, including the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act which expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to include retired officers killed or permanently disabled due to prior line-of-duty service.
The NDAA also includes the PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act which extends and strengthens the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to fight online child exploitation. It also requires the Department of Justice to update the national strategy every four years to address emerging threats and technologies.
Finally, it includes the Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, which sets national standards for trauma kits purchased with Byrne JAG funds and requires guidelines for officer training, and deploying and maintaining the kits.
Executive Order: Marijuana Rescheduling and Medical Research
On December 18, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Administration to expedite the process of reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. According to the White House, the order is intended to expand medical research on marijuana, support evidence-based treatment options, and reduce federal regulatory barriers that have limited scientific study. The order also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to advance research on hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products and calls on the Trump administration to work with Congress on potential legislative actions related to CBD access.
The order does not legalize recreational marijuana, does not decriminalize cannabis, and does not make changes to federal criminal enforcement authorities. Any reclassification would still be subject to the federal rulemaking process, and no specific timeline has been announced.
IACP is opposed to the rescheduling of marijuana and has consistently raised concerns about the public safety consequences of reclassification. IACP filled public comments to the 2024 notice of proposed rulemaking on this topic. IACP continues to urge policymakers to carefully consider the policing and community safety implications of any changes to federal drug scheduling.
To read the official executive order, click here.
FY26 Appropriations Update
Congress faces a tight timeline to complete the remaining FY26 appropriations bills, with funding set to expire at the end of January. Progress has been limited so far, and most federal agencies are operating under short-term funding rather than full-year budgets.
The House is not expected to advance any appropriations bills before the holiday recess, as leadership is currently focused on health care policy negotiations. In the Senate, consideration of a proposed multi-bill funding package has stalled due to disagreements, delaying action on several major spending bills, including the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill that funds the Department of Justice and many policing grant programs.
Appropriators are discussing moving several funding bills together in smaller packages when Congress returns in January. With only a limited number of legislative days remaining and no final agreement in place, lawmakers will need to act quickly to pass the remaining appropriations bills or additional short-term funding to avoid a government shutdown.
Nominee Developments:
• Sara Carter, nominee for Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), was reported favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee and placed on the Senate Executive Calendar. On December 18, the Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 51–42 vote, clearing the way for a final confirmation vote, which is expected following post-cloture consideration.
• Robert Cekada, nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), was formally nominated to the Senate on November 18 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. His nomination will be reviewed by the Judiciary Committee, which must vote on whether to favorably report it before the full Senate can consider confirmation.
Legislative Update Schedule
As Congress heads into the holiday recess, both the House and Senate will be out of session and are not expected to return until January 6. During this period, legislative activity will be limited.
The next IACP Legislative Update will be released in January and will cover developments as Congress reconvenes and begins work in the new year.
To view a copy of the congressional 2026 calendar, you can click here.
IACP remains committed to ensuring the voice of the policing profession is heard at the highest levels of government. IACP’s advocacy is grounded in the needs of those serving on the front lines. We will continue to keep you informed as advocacy efforts progress and new opportunities arise. If you have any questions about IACP’s advocacy efforts or would like to connect further, please contact IACP’s Legislative Affairs team at legaffairs@theIACP.org.
