Rep. Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Push to Bolster DOD Counter-Drone Authorities, Protect WSMR, and Boost National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 5, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a bipartisan push to boost national security, co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to combat the risks posed by unidentified drones. The bill, the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act introduced with Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), strengthens the Department of Defense’s counter-drone authorities by expanding the definition of “covered facilities” to include all military bases with a secured perimeter. 

This marks a major step toward combating national security risks posed by unidentified drones, which have entered restricted airspace at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and other military installations, jeopardizing sensitive testing operations and endangering service members. These concerns were reiterated by military officials during Rep. Vasquez’s most recent visit to WSMR. 

In practice, this bill will bolster base commanders’ 130i authorities, giving them the power to protect against unidentified drones attempting to enter restricted military airspaces in the same way they would treat vehicular threats attempting to enter military installations by ground. These authorities grant DOD the ability to protect certain facilities from drone threats through detection, tracking, and disabling.

“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,” said Vasquez. “The time to bolster our military’s ability to counter these unidentified drones is now, and I’m proud to be leading this push.”

In New Mexico’s second district, this bill will materially improve security at WSMR, providing heightened airspace protections to administrative buildings, housing, and testing ranges located inside the installation’s secure perimeters. 

This effort builds on Rep. Vasquez’s ongoing commitment to supporting national security and public safety. He also recently sent a letter to the administration urging federal agencies to develop a cohesive counter-drone strategy to protect American communities.  

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