House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) is intensifying calls for answers regarding a series of unexplained aerial drone sightings across the Northeast United States in recent weeks.
Chairman Green stressed that these incidents highlight the urgent need for Congress to pass his bipartisan legislation, the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act of 2024, aimed at empowering local and state law enforcement to detect, track, and mitigate potential drone threats.
READ: Pentagon Addresses New Jersey Drone Sightings Amid Rising Concerns
Chairman Green, alongside a bipartisan group of co-sponsors—Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)—introduced the bill in June 2024 to bolster authorities’ ability to respond to malicious drone activity.
Chairman Green criticized the Biden administration and National Security Council for their slow response to the escalating situation. In multiple interviews, Green highlighted the lack of transparency and timely updates to policymakers, drawing parallels to the delayed federal response during last year’s Chinese spy balloon incident.
“What is really frustrating to us in Congress is that the FBI has known about this since the beginning of November,” Green said on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom. “We’re getting informed after the public sees it and raises concerns. That’s really unacceptable.”
READ: Mysterious Drone Sightings, Missing Radioactive Material In New Jersey Spark Investigation
Green emphasized that current laws prevent local law enforcement from adequately responding to drone threats. His proposed legislation would extend authority to Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and state and local authorities to take action, including disabling or destroying drones in situations where national security is at risk.
On Fox News’ Hannity, Green explained, “Right now, [local law enforcement] don’t have the authorities from the FAA to respond to drone activity. My bill would give them the ability to act swiftly and protect the homeland.”
Chairman Green underscored the potential for adversaries to use drones for espionage and surveillance of U.S. military and critical infrastructure. He referenced past incidents involving drones near military installations in California, Germany, and New Jersey as proof of growing concerns.
“There is a significant amount of fear, and it’s justifiable,” Green said during an appearance on Fox Business’ Coast to Coast. “We’ve had drones invade airspace over military bases in the U.S. and abroad. These threats cannot be ignored.”
READ: As Drone Conundrum Continues Along East Coast, Arrests Made In Massachusetts
Speaking on NewsNation’s On Balance, Green emphasized the importance of capturing and analyzing drones to determine their origin and intent, stating, “It takes getting one of these things on the ground to understand what’s happening. That’s why empowering local law enforcement is critical.”
Green vowed to continue pushing the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act through Congress, calling it a necessary step to safeguard U.S. airspace and infrastructure.
“These drones could be recreational, or they could be adversarial—we simply don’t know,” Green said. “Congress must act swiftly to extend and expand authorities that allow us to respond decisively to this emerging threat.”
The unexplained aerial incidents remain under investigation, with federal agencies including the DHS, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense (DOD) involved. Chairman Green has pledged to hold the administration accountable for updates and ensure the safety of the American homeland.
For continued updates, Chairman Green’s office urges collaboration between federal agencies and local authorities while Congress works to pass legislation addressing drone activity.
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