Federal bill aimed at combating problem drones appears poised for vote: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters

Max Reinhart, The Detroit News on Dec 17, 2024

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As mysterious drone sightings have raised security concerns across the country, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan said the Senate could vote as early as Wednesday on legislation aimed at enhancing law enforcement's ability to counter threats posed by the unmanned aircrafts.

The Bloomfield Township Democrat introduced a bill last year co-sponsored by several other lawmakers that would give the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and local law enforcement more authority to combat potential threats posed by drones. The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act would allow DHS and DOJ to disable drones determined to pose a security risk.

Peters said recent drone sightings underscore the need for such legislation.

“More and more Americans are using drones in their everyday life, whether it’s for on-the-job applications or simply as a hobby," said Peters in a statement to The Detroit News. "But drone technologies can also pose a serious security risk to everything from airport operations, critical infrastructure facilities, and high-profile, widely attended events like NFL games and concerts."

Beginning last month, mysterious objects have been spotted in the sky near sensitive New Jersey locations like Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and president-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

While many of the recent sightings have been reported in New Jersey and New York, there have been others elsewhere. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, was shut down for four hours late Friday night into early Saturday morning due to intense drone activity in the region.

On Sept. 4, a drone was illegally flown into Comerica Park, forcing rock band Green Day off the stage mid-concert. Social media users in Michigan reported seeing drones in the night sky near Ann Arbor and in Plymouth on Friday.

Flying drones for recreational or commercial uses is legal with FAA certification in Michigan, but operators are subject to federal airspace restrictions.

The uptick in sightings and issues has prompted calls for more and better regulation. In an open letter Monday, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard urged Washington to give state and local law enforcement authority to enforce FAA law and regulation on drones.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, whose 11th district lies entirely in Oakland County, said Tuesday she shares Bouchard's concerns.

“We need more information on the exact nature of recent sightings," Stevens said. "While most lights in the sky are easily explainable, with the proliferation of drone technology, we need to make sure bad actors, or hapless enthusiasts, don’t endanger our communities. I’m eager to regulate drones and implement whatever measures are necessary to keep our skies and the communities beneath them safe.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, on Monday called on the Department of Homeland Security to deploy technology to identify and track problem drones back to their landing spots.

What bill would do

Peters' bill, co-sponsored by Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin; Kyrsten Sinema, I-Arizona; and John Hoeven, R-ND, would also establish a pilot program that allows state and local law enforcement to help mitigate an urgent drone threat, according to information provided by Peters' office.

“The recent alleged drone sightings only underscore the need to make sure our top national security and law enforcement officials can quickly and effectively combat a drone threat if one occurs in the future," said Peters, who also is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the FAA.

The bill would allow critical infrastructure owners and operators — including stadium owners and operators — to detect, identify and track a drone threat so they can report it to state and local law enforcement for further investigation.

Security experts with the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NCAA have voiced their support.

“Keeping fans safe at our games is our top priority, and this legislation would give local law enforcement the tools they need to protect our fans from the threats of illicit drone use," said Cathy Lanier, the NFL's chief security officer, when the bill was introduced.

To address drone threats like those posed to airports and aircraft, the bill also would allow the federal Transportation Security Administration to proactively protect transportation infrastructure from drone threats, including by using detection and mitigation equipment before an emergency situation arises.

“By allowing DTW to use drone detection technology to counter the potential threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems, we can better protect everyone who flies in and out of our airport," said Chad Newton, CEO, Wayne County Airport Authority, when the bill was introduced.

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