Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has introduced the “Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel Drones Act” (DEFEND Act) in Congress. The bill is designed to enhance the United States’ ability to counter new threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.
If enacted, the DEFEND Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce a recurring terrorism threat assessment focused specifically on UAS over a seven-year period. This assessment will examine how foreign adversaries, including entities affiliated with the People’s Republic of China and cartels, are developing, acquiring, and using drones. It will also draw on operational lessons from ongoing conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East to help evaluate potential risks to national security and inform preparedness efforts at state and local levels as well as in the private sector.
Representative Crane stated, “As drone technology rapidly transforms the modern battlefield, Congress can’t afford to be in the dark on these evolving threats. Due to the widespread availability of drones, adaptable payloads, and remote capabilities, America must maintain a decisive tactical advantage. The DEFEND Act ensures Congress has the knowledge necessary to effectively allocate resources to defend our homeland. I encourage my colleagues to back this approach to close this intelligence blind spot.”
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) added: “From drug trafficking along the Southwest border to malicious actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure or mass-gatherings, drones present a serious threat to our national security and public safety. To stay ahead of these threats, the United States must have a clearer understanding of the threat landscape. I appreciate Rep. Crane’s leadership on this issue, and I am proud to join him in introducing this critical piece of legislation, which will ensure DHS has the intelligence and resources needed to identify, track, and counter drone-based threats before they endanger Americans.”
Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) commented: “The DEFEND Act is commonsense legislation to ensure DHS stays ahead of rapidly evolving drone threats. I’ve long said that we must look at how foreign adversaries and terrorist organizations exploit UAS abroad and use those lessons to strengthen our defenses here at home. This bill strengthens our preparedness, protects soft targets and critical infrastructure, and equips law enforcement with the tools they need to keep Americans safe.”
Vice Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), who chairs the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, remarked: “Over the past several years, drones have evolved into highly capable platforms that are inexpensive, widely available, and easily weaponized. As a result, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in their use around the world — including a 4,000 percent rise in drone activity around our nation’s stadiums. As chairman of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events, I’m proud to support this legislation. By studying how drones are being deployed globally — from Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb to Iran’s malign activities across the Middle East — we can better anticipate and combat the threats they may pose.”
Cosponsors for Representative Crane’s legislation include Chairman Garbarino; Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andy Ogles (R-TN); Subcommittee Chairman Dale Strong; and Vice Chairman McCaul.
