U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced legislation that will make drone surveillance of national defense sites illegal.
The Drone Espionage Act will update the Espionage Act of 1917 and make videography of sensitive national defense sites a crime punishable with a fine, 10 years in prison or both. The bipartisan legislation was also sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Davis (D-NC).
“As a Navy veteran who represents of one of the most military-heavy districts in the country, I know how critical it is to safeguard our national defense infrastructure and protect sensitive national security information,” Kiggans said. “A key step in achieving those protections is to ensure individuals cannot use drone videography to spy on our national defense sites. As China and other adversaries ramp up threats and increase their drone usage, we must send a clear message that we will not tolerate unlawful surveillance on American soil.”
Legislation currently exists that makes photos of national defense sites illegal, officials said but makes no mention of videography. Kiggans said the legislation would update the Espionage Act and give federal prosecutors another tool in prosecuting foreign agents using drone videography.
“As our adversaries attempt to gain unauthorized access to aerial footage of sensitive military sites, Congress must take action,” Davis said. “We need a common-sense approach to protect our military installations and safeguard classified information.”
The term “sensitive national defense site” is defined as a vessel, aircraft, navy yard or station, submarine base, fueling station, fort, battery, factory, camp, mine or other place connected with the national defense under U.S. control, or designated by the president as part of the national defense.