David McCormick (R-PA)
Unmanned System Command and Control Integration Assessment Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive assessment of open-architecture command and control frameworks for unmanned systems. The assessment aims to evaluate how these systems can be integrated across all tiers and domains of Department of Defense operations. It specifically requires a review of systems used by allies and partners, such as Ukraine and Israel. An independent advisory panel will provide technical guidance throughout this process. The Secretary must submit both interim and final reports to the congressional defense committees regarding the feasibility and implementation of these frameworks.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill mandates a comprehensive cybersecurity standards framework, including Zero Trust Architecture and supply chain risk management.
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill emphasizes reviewing and learning from the unmanned systems frameworks of allied and partner countries.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill seeks to support and integrate the domestic small unmanned aircraft systems industrial base.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Cybersecurity Resilience: The bill requires the development of a cybersecurity standards framework that includes supply chain risk management, end-sourcing data encryption, and alignment with Zero Trust Architecture (Section 2(c)(4)). This is intended to protect systems against electronic warfare, GPS denial, and cyber attacks.
-
Tactical Flexibility for Operators: The assessment looks for ways to allow tactical-level operators and commanders to modify or extend command and control functions without waiting for centralized updates (Section 2(c)(5)). This could allow for faster responses to changing battlefield conditions.
-
Future-Proofing Technology: The framework is designed to accommodate future technologies, such as artificial intelligence-enabled targeting and swarming capabilities, without requiring a full system replacement (Section 2(c)(4)).
-
Improved Airspace Integration: By sharing findings with the Federal Aviation Administration, the bill seeks to improve interoperability between military and civil unmanned aircraft systems operations in shared airspace (Section 7(a)).
-
Support for Domestic Industry: The assessment is required to account for the domestic small unmanned aircraft systems industrial base, ensuring new platforms are compatible with recommended frameworks (Section 6(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Security Risks from Integration: The bill notes that integrating an open-architecture system with current Department command and control modernization carries potential risks, specifically cybersecurity risks that arise from connecting such systems to existing classified networks (Section 2(c)(3)).
-
Foreign Dependency and Intellectual Property Risks: The assessment must evaluate the potential implications of technology transfer and intellectual property issues that may arise from adopting or adapting systems developed by foreign partners (Section 2(c)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill mandates a comprehensive cybersecurity standards framework, including Zero Trust Architecture and supply chain risk management. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill emphasizes reviewing and learning from the unmanned systems frameworks of allied and partner countries. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Improved technological integration in defense systems can contribute to overall national security and readiness.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill seeks to support and integrate the domestic small unmanned aircraft systems industrial base.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill requires the assessment to account for the compatibility of the domestic small unmanned aircraft systems industrial base.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs funding toward research, development, test, and evaluation for unmanned system command and control frameworks.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires unclassified portions of the assessment reports to be made available on the Department public website.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The sharing of findings with the FAA may assist in future civil unmanned aircraft traffic management infrastructure.
- 6/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada