[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  (Mrs. HARTZLER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the House passage 
of the FAA reauthorization bill, and I am delighted that the conference 
agreement includes provisions from my bill, the Safeguarding America's 
Skies Act. These provisions provide the Departments of Homeland 
Security and Justice with the authority to use counterdrone technology 
to detect, monitor, and interdict drones that pose a threat to the 
safety and security of our country.
  We must face the reality that drone technology is being exploited to 
advance crime and threaten our national security. Drones are used to 
smuggle illegal drugs across borders and contraband into prisons. On 
the other side of the globe, terrorist groups are using drones to 
target U.S. forces and coalition partners.
  Unfortunately, under current law, most Federal agencies are 
prohibited from engaging with drones due to various outdated laws. This 
legislation will provide our Federal law enforcement agencies with the 
tools necessary to protect U.S. citizens from criminal and nefarious 
acts. Our skies will be safer and our families will be safer.

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