U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.) have introduced the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, a bipartisan bill designed to empower state and local law enforcement to counter hostile drones at stadiums and large public events.
The legislation addresses a current gap in security measures, where only federal authorities are permitted to intercept and disable rogue drones. The DEFENSE Act seeks to grant trained state and local officers the authority to utilize approved counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) technology, under federal oversight, to detect, monitor, and respond to drone threats.
“Whether it’s a packed stadium or a large outdoor gathering, our communities deserve to enjoy these moments without fear of surveillance or disruption from above,” stated Rep. Steube. “The DEFENSE Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect Americans attending high-profile events from dangerous and unauthorized drones.”
Rep. Titus, whose district includes Las Vegas, a hub for major entertainment and sporting events, emphasized the need for enhanced security measures.
“People travel to Las Vegas from all over the world to experience our world-class entertainment and live sporting events,” she said. “I am proud to co-lead this bill to give our state and local law enforcement the tools they need to keep fans, athletes, performers, and stadium workers safe from aerial threats.”
The bill outlines a process for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend temporary authority to state and local officers, provided they undergo proper training and adhere to federal oversight.
Authorized equipment would be limited to systems approved by DHS, in coordination with the DOJ, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
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The DEFENSE Act has garnered support from major sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR.
“The NFL applauds the bipartisan group of sponsors for their leadership in introducing the DEFENSE Act in the House of Representatives,” said Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer of the NFL. “As the threat of illicit drone activity continues to rise, it is critical that our state and local law enforcement partners have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country. This legislation will help to do just that, and we urge Congress to adopt it as soon as possible. Doing so is vital to the security of our homeland.”
David Thomas, Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations for Major League Baseball, also voiced support, stating, “This bill is crucial for enabling trained state and local law enforcement to use counter-drone technology to safeguard sporting venues from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones).”
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The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Lou Correa (D-Calif.), and has companion legislation in the Senate, introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
Senator Cotton stated, “Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk. Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats.”
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