Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bill to Protect Communities From Threats Posed by Drones

Drone in the sky
September 23, 2024
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, legislation that will strengthen the ability of federal, state and local law enforcement to counter the security threats posed by drones.

The number of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has rapidly expanded in recent years as drone technology has become cheaper and easier to manufacture. The proliferation of both commercial and recreational drones has increased concerns about drone-related security threats in high-risk settings such as airports, sporting events and government and military facilities. 

The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act will:

  • Renew existing authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) that allow these departments to counter threats posed by drones.
  • Authorize DHS and DOJ to use existing authorities to protect critical infrastructure.
  • Authorize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to proactively protect transportation infrastructure from UAS threats.
  • Enable state and local officials, as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators, to use technology approved by DHS to detect drones that pose a threat to infrastructure and high-profile public events. 
  • Establish a limited pilot program to allow coordination between state, local and federal law enforcement to combat UAS threats.
  • Develop a DHS database of security-related UAS incidents that occur in the United States.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Mike Johnson (LA-04) and has 23 additional cosponsors, six of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Houlahan and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02).

“Commercial drones are becoming more common in our communities. Whether at large public sporting events, school functions, or near military bases or airports, we need to ensure that sensible guardrails are in place to protect Americans from potential threats," said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). "Thank you to the Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsing this bill. It reinforces what we already know: we need a commonsense, bipartisan approach that builds upon existing law to address this rapidly emerging threat. I look forward to this bill becoming law and appreciate Problem Solvers' support in getting it there.”

“As technology evolves, so must policy. The ever-increasing presence of commercial drones poses a unique potential for threats that calls for greater vigilance and preparedness,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “This legislation would expand our ability to counter potential threats and proactively protect our critical infrastructure from unmanned aircraft systems. I thank my bipartisan colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus for joining me and Congresswoman Houlahan in supporting this crucial legislation.”

“As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am keenly aware of the security threat posed by drones if they’re deployed by terrorists and criminals. We must ensure federal, state, and local governments have the resources they need to detect and counter drone threats,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad that members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse this critical, commonsense legislation. This bill is an important first step to addressing drone security, which is of special importance ahead of major public events coming up in Jersey like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

“For too long, we have dealt with the threat of unmanned aircraft systems without a strong enough solution to protect our nation. The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act addresses that deficiency directly by providing the DHS with the critical tools needed to counter and neutralize these dangerous threats head-on,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “I am proud to see the Problem Solvers Caucus endorse this critical bipartisan, bicameral legislation, and implore my colleagues to join the Problem Solvers in taking decisive action to safeguard our national security from the dangers posed by unmanned aircraft systems.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.