December 5, 2025

National Defense Authorization Act Under Consideration, IACP calls for inclusion of C-UAS provisions.

Congress returned from the Thanksgiving recess with a full agenda. The most likely major bill to advance this month is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA does not appropriate funding, but it authorizes a wide range of national security programs, military personnel policies, and defense-related authorities that intersect with domestic security and interagency coordination.

In addition, the IACP has formally urged congressional leadership to include comprehensive counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) authority for state local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) public safety agencies in the final FY26 NDAA. In a letter to congressional leaders, IACP emphasized that police agencies continue to face increasing risks from malicious or unsafe drone activity but remain restricted by federal statutes that prevent them from taking even basic protective actions.

The letter, available here, outlines the need for a modernized C-UAS framework that authorizes trained SLTT personnel to detect; identify; track; and, when necessary, mitigate drones that pose safety or security threats. IACP also recommended the creation of a national drone-incursion reporting database to improve situational awareness and support coordinated threat detection.

As NDAA negotiations continue, IACP will remain actively engaged to ensure police agencies have the authorities and tools needed to address evolving UAS threats. To read more about IACP’s full set of C-UAS recommendations, you can click here.

January Funding Deadline Approaches

Time is running short for the Senate to approve a five-bill spending package that would include the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations bill before the current continuing resolution expires on January 30.  The CJS bill funds the Department of Justice and key state and local law enforcement assistance programs. The Senate faces competing priorities in the coming weeks, such as action on the NDAA, confirmation votes, and possible legislation related to health care subsidies.

However, if the Senate is able to move forward, substantial differences remain between the House and Senate appropriations language, particularly the lack of agreement on overall  spending levels. House appropriators favor a smaller spending package, while other representatives have floated the possibility of funding any unfinished bills at FY 2025 levels under a full-year continuing resolution (CR).

Voice Your Concern; Tell Your Member of Congress to Vote NO on the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

Congress is expected to bring H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to the House floor in December. H.R. 38 would override state and local firearms laws and expose officers to new personal liability risks. H.R. 38 requires every state to honor the concealed carry standards of all other states, including those with no training or permitting requirements, creating significant enforcement challenges and safety concerns for the policing profession.

This legislation directly affects officer safety, state authority, and day-to-day operational decision-making, it is critical that lawmakers hear from those who are affected by this legislation firsthand. IACP and the FOP have issued a joint letter urging Congress to vote NO on H.R. 38, and IACP members are encouraged to send a letter to their member of Congress telling them VOTE NO on H.R. 38.

Your voice is needed to stop this harmful legislation from becoming law. Click here to send a prefilled letter to your respective House Representative to ensure Congress protects officer safety and preserves state and local authority.