Cassidy, Grassley, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Criminalize Dangerous Drone Activity
Statement
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) Bill introduced the Drone Act of 2022. The bipartisan bill seeks to criminalize dangerous drone activity -- including by drug and human traffickers who have embraced drone technology to facilitate their operations. Alarmingly, criminals have started attaching weapons to drones, posing significant national security and public safety concerns.
"From the southern border to cities across the country, criminals are using drones to smuggle drugs, weapons and commit crimes that put Americans at risk," said Dr. Cassidy. "We must confront this new threat."
An official at the Federal Correctional Complex, Oakdale confirmed numerous cell phones and other contraband have been drone dropped onto the FCC Oakdale complex throughout the last six months.
"As drone technology advances and drone usage becomes more widespread, it's imperative that we modernize the law to deter criminal activity. Drones offer great potential for revolutionizing how we do business in this country, and a lot of work went into making sure this bill wouldn't stifle all the positive aspects of drone innovation. A lot of work also went into making sure this bill gives law enforcement the tools it needs to go after terrorists and drug cartels that use drones to advance their criminal enterprises. Moving forward, I'll continue working with my colleagues to ensure drone laws strike the right balance -- allowing this technology to improve efficiency for businesses, law enforcement, military operations and recreation while curbing what should be illegal activity," Grassley said.
"From my years serving in the Navy, I know firsthand the power drone technology offers. In the wrong hands, it can pose security risks, which is why Senator Grassley and I are introducing the Drone Act to stop the illegal use of drones, like for drug trafficking, and to increase penalties for the most serious crimes," said Kelly. "It's critical that we give law enforcement the tools to accomplish its mission of keeping our communities safe and our borders secure against criminal organizations."
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