S 1809 United States Senate · 119th Congress

Drone Espionage Act

The Drone Espionage Act (S 1809) amends existing law to explicitly include video recordings alongside photographs in the prohibition against taking or transmitting defense information. This technical update to Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 793 clarifies that video footage of defense-related information - such as from drones or other devices - falls under espionage laws, just like photographic images. The bill directly affects individuals or entities recording defense information via video, expanding the scope of prohibited activities under current espionage statutes. It does not create new penalties but ensures modern recording methods are covered by existing legal protections.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 20, 2025 Last action Feb 9, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley without amendment. Without written report.
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
upper
Jun 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs. Hearings held.
upper
May 20, 2025
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
upper
May 20, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors

Sponsors