Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said a bill that would give local governments the authority to remove drones is a “top priority” for the next Congress.
Greene said in an interview Friday that she shared Monday that federal agencies lack transparency on the drone issue, which comes after a spate of high-profile drone sightings over New Jersey before the holidays. I'm awake.
“As a member of our Congress, passing a drone bill that gives local law enforcement and states the authority to remove drones is one of my top priorities for the next Congress. It's going to be one,” Green told Dan Mundis in Nashville. His radio station WWTN I cropped it for posting. on social platform X.
“We know that the Chinese are operating drones within the country. We still need transparency on this issue, and we are not getting it. My Anti-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which gives us the authority to remove drones, needs to pass,” Green captioned the post.
Recently, a large number of drone sightings have been reported, particularly in the Northeast, which has attracted national attention. In mid-December, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration issued a joint statement stating that recent drone sightings include a combination of “legal” drones, other aircraft, and stars. He said that
The statement also said the FBI had received more than 5,000 reports of drone sightings in recent weeks, but only a small number were worthy of follow-up investigation.
Last month, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) blocked an attempt by his Democratic colleagues to pass a bill that would give state and local governments more resources and authority to track mysterious drones.
The Kentucky Republican argued the bill would expand the government's surveillance powers, but downplayed concerns about the threat posed to the public by drones.
“This agency should not rush to grant sweeping oversight powers without proper consideration and discussion by the competent committee,” Paul said.
When asked for comment on Greene's plans, the Pentagon recalled The Hill to the Tennessee Republican Party's office.
The Hill has reached out to DHS and Greene's office for comment.
In an email to The Hill on Monday, the Justice Department said it “declined to comment.”
Updated at 10:40pm EDT
