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Study on Untracked Balloons' Impact on US Aviation Safety and Defense Readiness

The BLIPS Act mandates the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration to study how domestically launched, untracked free balloons affect civil and military aviation safety. The study will assess if these balloons pose threats, contribute to misidentified threats, and impact air traffic control operations and defense readiness. Within 12 months, a report must be submitted, including recommendations on potentially requiring all such balloons to be equipped with real-time tracking emitters.
Key points
Requires a study by the Department of Defense and FAA on the safety effects of unmanned free balloons that cannot be electronically tracked.
Analysis of how these untracked balloons affect aviation safety, contribute to misidentified threats, and impact defense readiness.
Recommendations will cover the feasibility and impact of mandating tracking emitters (geolocation, altitude, owner ID) on all domestically launched balloons.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_4229
Sponsor: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
Process start date: 2023-06-20
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Balloon Location and Identification Pronouncement Study Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_4229.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-06-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Requires a study by the Department of Defense and FAA on the safety effects of unmanned free balloons that cannot be electronically tracked.
  • Analysis of how these untracked balloons affect aviation safety, contribute to misidentified threats, and impact defense readiness.
  • Recommendations will cover the feasibility and impact of mandating tracking emitters (geolocation, altitude, owner ID) on all domestically launched balloons.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-30.

CATEGORIES

Transport Security