Senator Peters introduces bill to protect communities from unmanned aircraft systems

MICHIGAN. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters has introduced bipartisan legislation to significantly enhance our nation’s ability to counter the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, according to a press release.

Officials say the bill will renew and expand existing authorities – which are set to expire in October – that provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the necessary tools to effectively counter UAS. The legislation comes after a hearing that Peters convened with senior federal officials on how government agencies are working to combat this evolving threat.

“As the market for unmanned aircraft systems continues to expand – there is an increasing risk that drones operated by reckless or nefarious individuals could be used to threaten aircraft, airports, critical infrastructure, and high-profile events. The federal government must be prepared to tackle this issue head-on and protect our country from this evolving threat,” said Senator Peters.

According to officials, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that by 2024 about 2.3 million UAS will be registered to fly in U.S. airspace. The increasing numbers of registered UAS create a higher risk of both unintentional disasters and malicious activity from foreign adversaries or criminal organizations that seek to weaponize drones or engage in illegal activities, such as the trafficking of illicit drugs across U.S. borders. Recent incidents have demonstrated the threat posed by UAS. Last week, federal officials stopped all arrivals and departures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after a drone that was reported in the area raised safety concerns.

Senator Peters says the bill also authorizes the Transportation Security Administration to proactively protect transportation infrastructure from drone threats. The legislation authorizes DHS and DOJ to use existing authorities to protect critical infrastructure. The legislation allows state and local law enforcement and critical infrastructure owners and operators to use drone detection technology that has been approved by DHS. The bill creates a pilot program that will encourage coordination between state and local and federal law enforcement to mitigate UAS threats. Finally, the legislation requires DHS to develop a database of security-related UAS incidents that occur inside the United States.