Gottheimer helps introduce bipartisan Drone Act to protect American communities, families

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Thursday helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Drone Act, a bill that would create comprehensive federal criminal law prohibiting the most dangerous uses of drones in the United States.

Gottheimer is joining with Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Lance Gooden (R-TX), and Dina Titus (D-NV) to introduce this legislation.

“Our efforts to protect national security must keep up with advancing technology and terrorists looking to do us harm. Confronting the threat of lone wolf ISIS-inspired terrorists and all those who wish to attack our nation needs to be a top priority — it’s key to protecting our homeland,” said Gottheimer, a member of the House Intelligence Committee. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation ensures our nation is equipped to keep our families, communities, and nation safe.”

“Drones can be useful pieces of technology for commerce and recreation, but in the hands of terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, or irresponsible operators, they can be a threat to our homeland security,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher. “The Drone Act would create federal guidelines to ensure this technology is used responsibly and that bad actors are held accountable. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to modernize the law and protect local communities.”

“Drones possess immense potential for bolstering commerce and recreation yet pose a threat to our homeland security when manipulated by terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, or reckless operators,” said Rep. Lance Gooden. “The Drone Act aims to establish rigorous federal guidelines to guarantee responsible usage of this technology and to hold rogue elements to account.”

“We can’t squander all the potential of drone technology for business, recreation, and more by letting its most dangerous users hurt our communities. By modernizing federal criminal law, the DRONE Act would support our national security and help grow Nevada’s burgeoning drone industry,” said Rep. Dina Titus, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

The bipartisan Drone Act of 2023 will:

• Prohibit attaching a weapon to a drone.
• Prohibit the willful removal of drone identification numbers and the disabling of their transmissions and anti-collision lights.
• Subject anyone trying to get a prohibited object into a prison by way of a drone with a 10-year prison sentence.
• Apply the same penalties to drone operators who knowingly or recklessly interfere with motor vehicles, boats, and spacecraft, as those who knowingly or recklessly interfere with airplanes and runways.
• Prohibit, with up to a two-year prison sentence, the reckless or knowing interference of another emergency-response activity, law-enforcement activity, or military operation.