FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, Schiff No. 29, which requires the FAA to create a program that utilizes remote detection and identification technologies to identify unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are not in compliance with applicable Federal aviation laws and regulations.

I first came to this issue several years ago when fire fighters responding to a wildfire had to ground support aircraft due to civilians operating drones in the airspace. This problem seems likely to grow more pronounced, not just in response to wildfires but also in the airspace near airports. According to the FAA, the agency projects there are 1.1 million unmanned aircraft systems in the United States and they expect that number to grow rapidly in the corning years, putting airline passengers, firefighters, and others at risk.

I want the owners of these vehicles to be able to enjoy them, but in a complicated and crowded airspace like the one we have in Los Angeles, we need to be sure we are putting public safety first. That is why it is so important for Congress to give the FAA and law enforcement the appropriate tools to address this increase in drones entering restricted airspace.

Furthermore, we still do not know how many unmanned aircraft enter restricted airspace, whether at airports, above forest fires, or in other restricted areas. That is why my amendment also requires annual reporting by FAA to Congress to report the number of drones entering restricted airspace, the number of enforcement cases brought by FAA or other agencies, and recommendations by FAA for detection and mitigation systems. There are a variety of vendors developing technology to counter unauthorized UAS operation in restricted airspace, some of which show great promise and have already been tested in pilot projects by the FAA. My amendment would direct the FAA to continue this important work.

With the adoption of UAS technology continuing at a rapid pace, I am worried it is more a matter of when and not if a drone will collide with a commercial airliner or first responder, with potentially devastating results. We must be proactive to ensure that the next time we read about this issue, we are not also reading about casualties that could have been prevented.

I thank the Chairman and Ranking Members of the committee and appreciate the inclusion of my amendment in the FAA Reauthorization bill. It is my hope it will remain in any conference agreement finalized by the House and Senate.

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