H.R. 3334 — USCP Empowerment Act of 2025

This section authorizes the Capitol Police Board, notwithstanding specified federal aviation and criminal laws—including aircraft piracy prohibitions (49 U.S.C. § 46502), aircraft destruction offenses (18 U.S.C. § 32), computer fraud provisions (18 U.S.C. § 1030), air commerce interference bans (18 U.S.C. § 1367), wiretap laws (18 U.S.C. ch. 119), and pen register laws (18 U.S.C. ch. 206)—to mitigate credible threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to covered Capitol Police facilities or assets. Authorized actions include (1) detecting, identifying, monitoring, and tracking UAS, including by intercepting wire, oral, or electronic communications used to control it without prior consent; (2) warning the operator; (3) disrupting UAS control, including by interfering with such communications; (4) seizing or exercising control of the UAS; (5) confiscating the UAS; and (6) using reasonable force to disable, damage, or destroy it (thus creating targeted exceptions to federal prohibitions on unauthorized interception of communications). The section further requires coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); allows research, testing, training, and evaluation of counter-UAS equipment; subjects seized UAS to forfeiture; directs issuance of regulations and guidance with privacy protections (e.g., limiting interception to what is necessary, retaining records for no more than 180 days absent specified needs, and restricting disclosures); and requires semiannual reports to congressional committees on implementation, including privacy and aviation impacts.