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H.R. 196House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

To prohibit the Central Intelligence Agency from using an unmanned aerial vehicle to carry out a weapons strike or other deliberately lethal action and to transfer the authority to conduct such strikes or lethal action to the Department of Defense.

Sponsored by Michael C. BurgessRep. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX)
Introduced January 5, 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 7, 2026 at 9:11 PM UTC

The bill bans the Central Intelligence Agency from using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to conduct weapons strikes or any deliberately lethal actions. It requires the President to move all authority for such drone strikes to the Department of Defense. The change affects CIA personnel, contractors, and any drone operations that could result in lethal force, shifting control to the military.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibits any CIA officer, employee, contractor, or detailee from using a drone to carry out a weapons strike or other lethal action.
  • Directs the President to transfer all authority to conduct drone strikes or lethal actions from the CIA to the Department of Defense.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee

January 5, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 5, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee

January 5, 2021

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.R. 196 on the floor

1 Republican
Richard Hudson
Rep. Richard HudsonR-NC-8 · Dec 2, 2021

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor North Carolina Senator Paul Newton for his recognition as Outstanding Ambassador of the Year by the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Outstanding…

Record

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 5, 2021

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 196

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 5, 2021

Mr. Burgess introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To prohibit the Central Intelligence Agency from using an unmanned aerial vehicle to carry out a weapons strike or other deliberately lethal action and to transfer the authority to conduct such strikes or lethal action to the Department of Defense.

1.

Prohibition on Central Intelligence Agency operation of unmanned aerial vehicle strikes and transfer of authority to the Department of Defense

(a)

Prohibition

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no officer or employee of, or contractor or detailee to, the Central Intelligence Agency shall use an unmanned aerial vehicle to carry out a weapons strike or other lethal action.

(b)

Transfer to Department of Defense

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President shall transfer to the Department of Defense all authority to use an unmanned aerial vehicle to carry out a weapons strike or other lethal action.