Schumer Urges Federal Agencies to Utilize Declassified Drone Detection Technology

December 16, 2024 TruthUSA

“New Yorkers are raising significant concerns about this issue. We are committed to finding the answers,” stated Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the federal government to leverage its resources to determine the source of the unidentified drones that have been seen hovering in U.S. airspace, causing unease among residents.

“New Yorkers have tremendous questions about it. We are going to get the answers for them,” Schumer said to reporters after prompting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to utilize their drone-detection technology to pinpoint the unknown drones and their operators.

He proposed that the government employ a recently declassified radio wave technology to investigate these aerial phenomena. This radio wave detector can be affixed to a drone or an airplane, enabling officials to differentiate between birds and drones, access their electronic registrations, and trace them back to where they land.

So far, briefings from government officials regarding the drone sightings reported in various locations across the United States have provided minimal clarity on the matter.

“There’s no question that people are seeing drones,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas remarked during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” He added, “But I want to assure the American public that we are on it. We are engaging closely with state and local authorities.”

Some drones reported in areas of New York and New Jersey have been identified as “manned aircraft that are often confused with drones,” Mayorkas explained. “We are not aware of any foreign involvement regarding the sightings in the Northeast, and we remain diligent in our investigation.”

Mayorkas mentioned that certain departments within DHS possess the capability to “incapacitate” drones, though he believes that these powers need to be broadened.

Congress members from both parties are calling for increased transparency, advanced technology, and enhanced powers to address the drone situation. Schumer pointed out that state and local entities lack the authority to monitor drones.

Many advocate for the passage of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act to bolster FAA regulation of drones and grant tracking authority to state and local bodies. UAS stands for unmanned aerial system.

In recent weeks, numerous unidentified drone-like objects have been reported traversing from the ocean into residential areas of New Jersey each night, provoking fears about safety and national security. Initial sightings indicated the objects were flying near Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility.

This week, additional potential sightings were documented along the northern East Coast, as well as in other U.S. regions like California, according to news sources. While some sightings were misidentified as commercial planes, others have been confirmed as unidentified drones.

Drones are permitted in the state as long as they abide by local and FAA regulations and flight restrictions. Drone operators must also be FAA certified.

Last year, new federal aviation rules mandated that drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more must broadcast real-time remote identification, including their operator’s location, to enhance the safety and security of U.S. airspace.

“The drone situation underscores existing gaps in our agencies and between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, and the Defense Department,” Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), a select national security advisor under President-elect Donald Trump, stated on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

“Americans find it hard to believe that we cannot ascertain the origin of these activities.”

The leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) shared similar sentiments during his appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” expressing, “Many of us are quite frustrated right now.”

“Not knowing is simply not an adequate response.”

On Saturday, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) theorized that the source of the drone activities might be the U.S. government, calling for transparency regarding the unusual aerial activities, which have also been reported at U.S. military bases abroad, including the U.S. Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany.

“I don’t believe these are commercial,” Malliotakis said on “Fox Report.” She expressed skepticism that commercial flights would breach FAA regulations by flying late at night.

“If a foreign government was involved, considering our military capabilities, we would likely take action. It appears to me that this may stem from our own government. Whether this is linked to counterterrorism efforts or another purpose remains unclear, but honesty with the public is necessary.”

“When people are anxious and concerned, it fosters a climate for all kinds of theories and misinformation, and that is exactly what we currently observe.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday that the Biden Administration has consented to send a drone detection system to New York.

“I appreciate the support, but we require more. Congress must enact a law that will empower us to directly address the drone issue,” she asserted on X.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has also appealed to the Biden Administration for additional resources to look into the drones.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby previously stated that the drones reported in New Jersey do not pose a national security threat.

“Currently, we have no evidence that reported drone activities represent a national security threat, a public safety concern, or have any foreign connection,” White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby remarked during a press briefing on December 12.

Trump has demanded that U.S. officials provide transparency about the drones’ origins.

“Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” the president-elect declared on social media on December 13.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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