Bipartisan legislation from U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) would help law enforcement to detect, track and disable drones that pose a threat to public safety, officials said.
The legislation would restore authorizations to respond to drone threats near airports, stadiums and other sensitive locations that had expired on Sept. 20 of this year. Peters, the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said the bill would extend the authorizations through 2028 to ensure the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice can continue to address drone threats.
“As drone technologies evolve and become more readily available, we must take every step necessary to protect our national security and ensure law enforcement can respond to threats that drones could threaten sporting events, gatherings of large crowds and critical infrastructure,” Peters said. “This bipartisan legislation would give federal law enforcement the continued authority they need to disable dangerous drones that pose an immediate safety threat and protect the public and property from serious harm.”
Drones have interfered with airport operations, hovered over power plants and flown over large public gatherings like football games, the lawmakers said. The legislation would give federal, state and local law enforcement the legal authority to respond to those threats. As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the senators said without the reauthorization DHS and DOJ could lose the legal framework to act in defense of those events.
“With drone technology rapidly evolving, we need to ensure that our nation remains safe from the next generation of threats,” Ernst said. “This legislation equips the Department of Homeland Security with the tools they need to keep our homeland secure. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday across the country and prepare to host the World Cup and Olympics on our soil, it is more important than ever that federal law enforcement has the tools they need to keep Americans safe.”