Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) raised alarms Tuesday about the federal government’s lack of ability to track or identify numerous drone sightings across the United States, calling the situation a potential national security risk.
Giménez, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, criticized the government’s insufficient understanding of the origin and purpose of many drone flights.
“The government hasn’t the faintest idea where many of these drones are coming from or what they’re doing,” Giménez said. His comments come in the wake of reports detailing drone activity along the East Coast, including near sensitive military installations in New Jersey and Ohio.
While officials from the White House and Pentagon have downplayed the sightings, suggesting most drones are for recreational or commercial use, Giménez urged deeper investigations into their potential risks. “Drones pose a threat, and they’re going to be an increasing threat,” he stated.
The Pentagon has reported that more than one million drones are registered in the United States, with an estimated 8,500 in flight daily. However, defense officials emphasized that the vast majority are used for non-threatening purposes.
READ: Pentagon Addresses New Jersey Drone Sightings Amid Rising Concerns
Giménez expressed concerns about the future implications of advancing drone technology, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence. “When you don’t need a pilot anymore, those drones are going to pose a significant problem,” he cautioned, highlighting the potential for AI-powered drones to become even more dangerous.
Giménez’s comments underscore a growing concern within Congress about the evolving challenges drones pose to national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure. His remarks add to ongoing calls for the federal government to enhance its ability to monitor, regulate, and address drone-related threats.
As drones continue to proliferate in U.S. airspace, lawmakers like Giménez are pressing for comprehensive strategies to mitigate their risks and safeguard national security.
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