Failing to extend the federal government’s authority to counter threatening drones would leave the U.S. “effectively defenseless” against risks to mass gatherings, airports and critical infrastructure, FBI Director Chris Wray told lawmakers on Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice were granted expanded authorities in 2018 to respond to unmanned aircraft systems — or UASs — that pose a threat to “certain facilities and assets.” Those authorities give department personnel the ability to “use reasonable force to disable, damage or destroy” drones. But that counter-UAS authority is set to expire on Nov. 18.
