Schumer seeks legislation giving local officials authority to ‘swiftly’ respond to drone sightings

Lawmakers are taking action in response to the recent surge in drone sightings over New Jersey and New York, with Sen. Chuck Schumer leading the charge. Schumer announced on Monday that he will be pushing forward drone legislation that will give local officials more authority to address the growing concerns surrounding these mysterious drone sightings.

Reports of drones flying over sensitive areas such as military research facilities and Trump’s Bedminster golf course have raised alarms among lawmakers, prompting them to demand more transparency from the Biden administration regarding the identity of the operators and the purpose behind these drone flights.

Schumer emphasized the need for quick deployment of drone-detecting tools to assist New York and New Jersey in managing these sightings. He also expressed his intention to bring legislation to the Senate floor that will empower local officials to respond promptly to drone sightings.

The Senator highlighted the anxiety and confusion caused by the recent drone sightings and stressed the importance of addressing these incidents, particularly when they occur near restricted airspace such as airports or military bases. While there is no evidence to suggest a national security threat, the disruptive nature of these drone flights cannot be ignored.

Schumer called on the Department of Homeland Security to take immediate action in deploying advanced drone-detecting technologies, such as the Robin Radar System, to aid local authorities in tracking and identifying the origin of these drones. He emphasized the importance of gathering real-time data to understand the source of the sightings.

In addition to seeking assistance from the Senate, Schumer urged DHS to deploy a network of Robin-like technology systems across the New York City metro area to enhance surveillance capabilities and provide valuable insights into the drone activity.

The House Intelligence Committee is set to receive a classified briefing on the drone activity, with representatives from various government agencies participating in the discussion. This collaborative effort aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the mysterious drone sightings and provide clarity on the issue.

As the investigation into the drone sightings continues, lawmakers are committed to taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the affected regions. By enhancing local officials’ authority and deploying advanced drone-detecting technologies, they hope to shed light on the origins of these sightings and prevent any potential threats in the future.