Proposal aims to help base commanders detect and disable unidentified drones over secured installations like White Sands Missile Range

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday that would expand the military’s ability to detect and disable unidentified drones entering restricted airspace over secured installations, including White Sands Missile Range.

Vasquez, a Democrat representing New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, introduced the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response Act with Rep. August Pfluger of Texas. The COUNTER Act would broaden the Department of Defense’s definition of “covered facilities” to include all military bases with secured perimeters.

Military officials at WSMR have reported unidentified drones crossing into restricted airspace and disrupting sensitive testing operations. Vasquez said those incidents highlight gaps in federal law governing how commanders can respond to aerial intrusions.

If enacted, the bill would expand base commanders’ 130i authorities, allowing them to detect, track, and disable drones approaching or entering secure military airspace. Those authorities function similarly to how installations can neutralize ground-based threats attempting to enter by vehicle.

“Cartels, criminal organizations, and foreign adversaries are using drones to gather intelligence at federal properties in New Mexico and nationwide, and it’s jeopardizing sensitive information, putting our troops and law enforcement at risk, and undermining U.S. national security,” Vasquez said. “The time to bolster our military’s ability to counter these unidentified drones is now, and I’m proud to be leading this push.”

The legislation would enhance protections across WSMR by covering administrative areas, housing and the range’s testing zones within the secured perimeter.

Vasquez also recently urged federal agencies to develop a unified national counter-drone strategy, citing concerns about emerging drone threats across the country.