American Security Robotics Act of 2026

Tom Cotton

Republican · AR · Senator

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)Original· 2026-03-26

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

2026-03-26

Source: Congress.gov

Based on the title and referral to the Homeland Security committee, this bill likely aims to establish rules or standards for how robots and robotic systems can be used in security and law enforcement operations across the United States. The legislation probably addresses concerns about the deployment, safety, and oversight of security robots by federal, state, and local agencies, potentially affecting both government operations and companies that manufacture or sell these technologies. Without more detailed information about the bill's specific provisions, the exact scope of regulations or requirements remains unclear.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. 4235 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4235 To prohibit executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 26, 2026 Mr. Cotton (for himself and Mr. Schumer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To prohibit executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``American Security Robotics Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON THE PROCUREMENT AND OPERATION OF COVERED UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Covered nation.--The term ``covered nation'' has the meaning given the term in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code. (2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign entity'' means an entity that is-- (A) domiciled in a covered nation; (B) subject to the influence or control of the government of a covered nation, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of Defense; or (C) a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B). (3) Covered unmanned ground vehicle system.--The term ``covered unmanned ground vehicle system'' means an unmanned ground vehicle system manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. (4) Executive agency.--The term ``executive agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code. (5) Unmanned ground vehicle system.--The term ``unmanned ground vehicle system'' means a system that includes-- (A) a mechanical device, including a remote surveillance vehicle, autonomous patrol technology, mobile robotics, or a humanoid robot, that-- (i) is capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on the ground; and (ii) operates at a distance from a human operator or supervisor based on commands or in response to sensor data or any combination thereof; (B) the payload of the mechanical device described in subparagraph (A); and (C) any external device used to control the mechanical device described in subparagraph (A). (b) Prohibition on Procurement of Covered Unmanned Ground Vehicle Systems.--Except as provided under subsection (e), the head of an executive agency may not procure any covered unmanned ground vehicle system. (c) Prohibition on Operation of Covered Unmanned Ground Vehicle Systems.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (e), beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, no executive agency may operate a covered unmanned ground vehicle system. (2) Applicability to contracted services.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) applies to any covered unmanned ground vehicle system being used by an executive agency through a contract for the services of the covered unmanned ground vehicle system. (d) Prohibition on Use of Federal Funds for Procurement or Operation of Covered Unmanned Ground Vehicle Systems.--Except as provided in subsection (e), beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal funds awarded through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, or otherwise made available, may be used to procure or in connection with the operation of a covered unmanned ground vehicle system. (e) Exemption to Prohibitions.-- (1) In general.--The head of an agency described in paragraph (2) is exempt from the prohibitions under subsections (b), (c), and (d) if-- (A) the procurement or operation of the covered unmanned ground vehicle system is…

in the national interest of the United States; and (B)(i) the sole purpose for the procurement or operation is-- (I) research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis for electronic warfare, information warfare operations, cybersecurity, or the development of unmanned ground vehicle system or counter-unmanned ground vehicle system technology; or (II) conducting counter-terrorism or counterintelligence activities, protective missions, or Federal criminal or national security investigations, including forensic examinations; or (ii) the covered unmanned ground vehicle system, as procured or as modified after procurement but before operational use-- (I) can no longer transfer data to, or download data from, a covered foreign entity; and (II) poses no national security cybersecurity risk as determined by the head of the agency. (2) Agencies described.--The agencies described in this paragraph are-- (A) the Department of Homeland Security; (B) the Department of Defense; (C) the Department of State; and (D) the Department of Justice. <all>

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