VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing on Protecting Communities from Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Statement

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing with senior federal officials on the risk that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, pose to communities across the country and how government agencies are working to combat this evolving threat. The hearing also discussed how lawmakers can work to ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have the necessary tools to effectively counter UAS -- including by renewing and expanding the authorities provided by the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018. Peters is currently working on legislation to reauthorize and strengthen this law that has bolstered our nation's ability to protect against UAS threats.

"The increase in the number of UAS operating in our air space creates a higher risk of rogue drones either failing to obey safety rules, or operating with nefarious intentions, threatening manned aircraft operations, airports, critical infrastructure facilities, and high-profile, widely-attended events such as sporting events, concerts, and more," said Peters during his opening remarks.

Peters continued: "And as we work to avoid unintentional disasters, we must also account for the escalating threat of weaponized drones from terrorist and criminal organizations who could launch domestic drone attacks on mass gatherings, high-profile landmarks and buildings, or federal property."

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