The US Senate on Wednesday rejected an effort to fast-track legislation to expand the US government’s authority to monitor and destroy drones that could pose security threats to stadiums and other sites.
Congress has discussed for years expanding its authority amid growing safety concerns. Sen. Gary Peters sought unanimous consent to approve the bill after reports of drones seen over New Jersey raised widespread concerns. The FBI and other agencies said many of the sightings were of planes or airplanes and did not pose safety concerns.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill “explicitly allows state and local authorities to conduct drone detection and helps them better coordinate with federal law enforcement agencies to keep communities safe.”
Republican Senator Rand Paul blocked the request, saying the bill would give the government broad authority to conduct widespread surveillance and that Congress should not rush to pass legislation.
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“It’s about unchecked government overreach. It’s about capitalizing on media-driven fear and hysteria that can infringe on Americans’ civil liberties.
The White House and sports leagues have been pushing since 2022 for expanded authority to detect threatened drones, with the NFL, Major League Baseball and other leagues previously warning that without expanded authority, airports and sporting events are “at high risk of attacks.” Malicious and unauthorized (drone operation).”
Rogue drone flights in restricted airspace over stadiums during NFL games rose to 2,845 in 2023 from 2,537 in 2022, the NFL said last week, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with congressional leaders.
The use of drones up to 3,000 feet (914 meters) before major sporting events in the United States is prohibited within a three-mile radius of stadiums.
Congress in 2018 expanded the Department of Justice and Homeland Security’s authority to disable or destroy drones, but officials say they need new authority.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this on Thursday Drones are banned From flying over several New Jersey cities, as of January 17.
The order states that no drone can operate at an altitude of less than 400 feet within one nautical mile of designated airspace in each zone. The government is also allowed to use “lethal force” against drones if they pose any kind of “imminent security threat.”
Many areas feature important infrastructure or cover vital areas, such as Newark-Liberty International Airport. List below:
North Jersey:
Cedar Grove
Bridgewater
North Brunswick
Metuchen
South Brunswick
Edison
Branchburg
Siwarin
Jersey City
(Harrison, Hudson County).
Elizabeth
Bayonne
Clifton
Kearney
Central Jersey:
(Hamilton, Mercer County).
South Jersey:
Burlington
Evesham
Camden
Gloucester City
Westhampton
Winslow
Hancock Bridge in Salem County
—
— With files from Global News’ Chris Janselowicz
