A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers is advocating for the incorporation of counter-drone and drone-detection technology for state and local law enforcement agencies in a year-end continuing resolution related to unmanned aircraft systems.
The initiative, led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York, involves a letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging prompt action on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) legislation.
The lawmakers emphasize the need for state and local law enforcement to have the necessary permissions to safeguard their communities against the growing threat posed by drones. Recent reports of unidentified drones in states such as New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania have raised concerns about the lack of resources at the federal level to address every drone incident.
The proposed legislation, supported by Johnson, seeks to extend the existing authorities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detect and mitigate drone threats, which are on the verge of expiration. If passed, the bill would empower federal agencies to enhance protection for critical infrastructure such as seaports, sports venues, airports, and landmarks.
Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for a pilot program that would enable select state and local law enforcement agencies to detect and neutralize drone threats in collaboration with federal entities. These agencies would receive training and equipment approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and DHS to effectively combat the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.
