Representative Eli Crane's (R-AZ) U.S. Capitol Police Empowerment Act, which authorizes the Capitol Police to intercept drones that pose a threat to the Capitol, has passed the House Administration Committee on a unanimous vote.
Why the Bill is Needed
As Rep. Crane's press release describes, although drones are forbidden from flying over the Capitol, there have been numerous reports of drones flying suspiciously close to the complex, and the Capitol Police currently lacks explicit authority to do anything about it.
Drones are getting deadlier every day, and Rep. Crane has been at the forefront of making sure the United States is able to counter them effectively.
What Crane is Saying
"The evolution of drone warfare has drastically changed both the battlefield and the threats to our national security," the Arizona congressman said in a statement. "After meeting with the U.S. Capitol Police, I learned that they lacked explicit authority to intercept drones on the complex, leaving alarming gaps in our defense posture."
"My bill would grant the USCP the ability to take decisive action to protect Members of Congress, staff, and constituents on Capitol Hill. I'm grateful to Chairman [Bryan] Steil (R-WI) for recognizing the importance of this legislation, and I'm hopeful this bill will receive a vote on the House Floor," he continued.
Crane's Previous Counter-Drone Bills
In December, Crane introduced the Detecting and Evaluating Foreign Exploitation of Novel Drones (DEFEND) Act, which amends the 2002 Homeland Security Act to require annual terrorism threat assessments on the usage of drones.
Then, in May, he teamed up with Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) to introduce the Guard the Skies Act, which authorizes the National Guard to counter drones without relinquishing governors' control over their states' forces.
Crane's concern is not unfounded, as he previously stated in a July House Homeland Security Committee hearing 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."
