Eli Crane Introduces Bill Requiring Threat Assessment of Malicious Drone Use

Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) has introduced legislation requiring an annual threat assessment of drones and other unmanned aircraft.

Specifically, the Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel Drones (DEFEND) Act amends the 2002 Homeland Security Act to require annual terrorism threat assessments on the usage of drones.

"As drone technology rapidly transforms the modern battlefield, Congress can't afford to be in the dark on these evolving threats," said Rep. Crane in a press release. "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."

Rep. Crane has expressed concern about the malicious use of drones throughout 2025, urging that the upcoming 2028 Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup be held in domed stadiums during a July House Homeland Security Committee hearing.

"I do not think most Americans have the slightest idea how warfare is evolving, especially over in the Middle East and Europe right now when it comes to drones, and that greatly concerns me," Rep. Crane said.

In a second hearing later that month, the Arizona Congressman said that the United States' apparent lack of readiness in the face of growing drone threats "keeps [him] up at night" and that "I just do not think that we are ready. I have sat in on a bunch of these hearings. I have had classified hearings with some of our federal agencies, and what I can tell you is that we are not ready."

More recently, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) similarly chaired a hearing about the threat of drones in September, saying, "It sounds to me like we need to get on our horse and get a piece of legislation passed very quickly, as quickly as we possibly can."