Congressman Brad Finstad (R, MN-01) at the end of July introduced the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act, “legislation that would codify President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” according to his office website. The legislation was introduced alongside the LIFT (https://www.unmannedairspace.info/latest-news-and-information/lift-act-could-see-faa-use-ai-for-bvlos-waivers-as-reps-nudge-faa-on-overdue-ruling/) proposal to extend beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the USA.
“The Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act works to address the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, by criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors who have recently intensified their use of drone technology,” said the website description of the proposed legislation.
Specifically, the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act:
- Establishes a task force to restore American Airspace Sovereignty, chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
- Requires the FAA to submit a notice of proposed rulemaking to OMB and the task force to restrict drone flights over fixed site facilities and critical infrastructure.
- Requires the Attorney General and the FAA Administrator to ensure the full enforcement of applicable civil and criminal laws for drone operators who endanger the public.
- Allows executive departments to employ equipment to detect, track, and identify drones in compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
- Orders the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to explore integrating counter-UAS operations for the purpose of protecting mass gathering events.
Read the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act bill text here.
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