WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to prevent the current authorities used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to disable drones that pose a security threat from expiring tonight at midnight. Peters’ Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), extends the counter-drone authorities through September 30, 2025.
“As we near the deadline to fund the government tonight without a clear path from my Republican colleagues in the House, it appears that we’re once again on the brink of a government shutdown. And when the clock runs out at midnight, the current authorities that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have to safely disable drones that pose a security threat will also expire, and we simply cannot let that happen,” said Senator Peters. “I just received unanimous consent to pass a bill that will extend the current authorities for one year. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for joining me in passing this legislation so that our federal law enforcement agencies can continue to protect against dangerous drones while giving us additional time to work on bipartisan legislation that Senator Johnson and I have authored to strengthen counter drone efforts.”
To watch video of Senator Peters’ remarks, click here.
There are currently more than 1 million drones registered in the United States. This rapidly growing number of drones 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. Recent reports of menacing drones in New Jersey and communities across the country have highlighted the need to pass and expand the ability of law enforcement agencies to be able to safely disable drones that pose a risk to public safety. Drones have also posed serious safety risks to airports, critical infrastructure and large public gatherings like football games.
Peters has been fighting to expand authorities to ensure our nation is prepared to address public safety threats from drones. Earlier this week, he pressed his colleagues to pass long overdue, bipartisan legislation he authored that would address the growing safety threats posed by drones – including by providing technology that safely disables a threatening drone to state and local law enforcement so they can protect their communities. Peters’ legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders including the National Football League, airports and law enforcement organizations.
###