REPORT ON USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS.

SEC. 1034. REPORT ON USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS.(a) Requirement for Report.—Not later than April 1, 2004, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the potential uses of unmanned aerial vehicles for support of the performance of homeland security missions.(b) Content.—The report shall, at a minimum, include the following matters:(1) An assessment of the potential for using unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring activities in remote areas along the northern and southern borders of the United States.(2) An assessment of the potential for using long-endurance, land-based unmanned aerial vehicles for supporting the Coast Guard in the performance of its—(A) homeland security missions;(B) drug interdiction missions; and(C) other maritime missions along the approximately 95,000 miles of inland waterways in the United States. (3) An assessment of the potential for using unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure within the territory of the United States, including the following:(A) Oil and gas pipelines.(B) Long-distance power transmission lines.(C) Hydroelectric and nuclear power plants.(D) Dams and drinking water utilities.(4) An assessment of the potential for using unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring the transportation of hazardous cargo.(5) A discussion of the safety issues involved in—(A) the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by agencies other than the Department of Defense; and117 STAT. 1607(B) the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles over populated areas of the United States.(6) A discussion of—(A) the effects on privacy and civil liberties that could result from the monitoring uses of unmanned aerial vehicles operated over the territory of the United States; and(B) any restrictions on the domestic use of unmanned aerial vehicles that should be imposed, or any other actions that should be taken, to prevent any adverse effect of such a use of unmanned aerial vehicles on privacy or civil liberties.(7) A discussion of what, if any, legislation and organizational changes may be necessary to accommodate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles of the Department of Defense in support of the performance of homeland security missions, including any amendment of section 1385 of title 18, United States Code (popularly referred to as the “Posse Comitatus Act”).(8) An evaluation of the capabilities of manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles to produce such vehicles at higher rates if necessary to meet any increased requirements for homeland security and homeland defense missions.(c) Referral to Committees.—The report under subsection (a) shall—(1) upon receipt in the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and other committees, as appropriate; and(2) upon receipt in the House of Representatives, be referred to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and other committees, as appropriate.