The Daily Scoop Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: DHS launches drone-focused office ahead of World Cup, America250
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell
Podcast: The Daily Scoop Podcast (FedScoop)

Overview

This episode focuses on two main topics shaping the federal technology and security landscape:

1. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) launch of a new office dedicated to unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in preparation for significant upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.
2. Congressional action on the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), which supports federal IT upgrades, including new funding developments amid legislative and authorization challenges.

Billy Mitchell breaks down the latest initiatives, funding updates, legislative hurdles, and the broader impact on public sector technology and security.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Launches Drone-Focused Office Ahead of Major National Events

[00:35]

• Purpose:
  • DHS has established a new office to oversee investments in drone and counter-drone technologies, aiming to protect U.S. airspace, borders, infrastructure, and mass events (e.g., FIFA World Cup 2026, America’s 250th anniversary).
• Secretary Statement:
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem provided a vision:

    “We are entering a new era to defend our air superiority to protect our borders and the interior of the United States. This will help us continue to secure the border and cripple the cartels, protect our infrastructure and keep Americans safe as they attend festivities and events during our historic year of America's 250th birthday and FIFA 2026.”
    — Secretary Kristi Noem [01:01]

• Recent Investments & Expansion:
  • FEMA recently awarded $250 million in grants for counter-drone capabilities to 11 states hosting FIFA matches and Washington, D.C.
  • DHS expanded state and local law enforcement authorization to counter drone threats in December.
  • DHS is reviewing industry proposals for a $1.5 billion contract to supply drone defense technologies for Customs and Border Protection and ICE.
• Immediate Actions:
  • The Program Executive Office (PEO) for unmanned aircraft systems is operational.
  • A current $115 million investment in counter technologies is near completion to support upcoming events.
• Threat Context:
  • Emphasis on rising risks of malicious drone use.
  • Since 2018, DHS has conducted over 1,500 missions to address illicit drone activities.

2. Congressional Action on the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF)

[02:40]

• Funding Update:
  • Congress earmarked $5 million for the TMF in FY2026—much lower than previous funding levels.
  • TMF’s previous authorization expired last month, freezing nearly $200 million in ongoing projects.
• Legislative Context:
  • TMF enjoyed bipartisan support since its 2017 creation.
  • Notable supporters included former Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a “staunch advocate,” and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who “led a sustained push.”
  • Despite efforts, reauthorization through the National Defense Authorization Act failed, leaving TMF’s authorization lapsed.
• Policy Challenge:
  • The $5 million, if passed, would technically be “unauthorized funding”—a scenario affecting roughly a third of discretionary appropriations, according to the CBO.
• Quote on Reauthorization Priority:
  • “A spokesperson for the House oversight committee told FedScoop last month that its reauthorization was a high priority that the Office of Management and Budget also supported.”
    — Billy Mitchell [03:41]
• Comparison to Previous Funding:
  • The American Rescue Plan in 2021 boosted TMF with $1 billion.
  • The latest award before expiration: $28 million to the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration for AI and modernization.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the security imperative for drones:

  “This will help us continue to secure the border and cripple the cartels, protect our infrastructure and keep Americans safe as they attend festivities and events during our historic year…”
  — Secretary Kristi Noem [01:08]

• On the fiscal state of TMF support:

  “The $5 million congressional appropriators carved out for the TMF is a far cry from what the fund had enjoyed since 2021, when President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan injected the program with $1 billion.”
  — Billy Mitchell [04:17]

Timeline of Critical Segments

• 00:35 – 02:40: Launch of the DHS drone office: announcement, investments, quote from Secretary Noem, background on drone threat activity and funding moves.
• 02:41 – 04:45: Technology Modernization Fund update: current funding, legislative status, quotes from former and current Congressional advocates, policy context, future uncertainties.

Conclusion

This episode provides a succinct, news-driven overview of two major developments in U.S. federal security and technology. DHS ramps up drone defenses ahead of major public events, representing a significant shift in public safety strategy. At the same time, the future of IT modernization across government is in flux as Congress debates the fate and funding of the TMF, a critical resource for digital transformation within federal agencies.

For further details and continuous updates, listeners are encouraged to visit FedScoop.com.