West Houston News

In Washington, D.C., Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls opened a hearing on "Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems" amid recent aviation tragedies. Nehls expressed his condolences for the 74 lives lost in two aviation accidents last week in the nation's capital and Philadelphia. He commended first responders and investigators for their ongoing efforts to uncover facts about these incidents.

Nehls emphasized that while there will be future discussions on the National Transportation Safety Board's findings, the Aviation Subcommittee will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed. He thanked witnesses for attending the hearing, highlighting their unique insights into counter-UAS technologies.

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are gaining popularity in the U.S., with over one million registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These drones serve various purposes, including use by hobbyists, photographers, real estate professionals, and law enforcement. Programs like Drone as First Responder (DFR) have become vital tools for law enforcement.

Drones also hold potential for transforming essential goods delivery but pose challenges at low altitudes. In New Jersey recently, authorities received over 5,000 drone sighting reports within weeks. Although deemed authorized by federal authorities and the Trump Administration, these reports underscore a need for public education on lawful drone operations.

Nehls stressed that despite no malicious intent in New Jersey incidents, drones can be misused by bad actors. Supporting new aviation technologies is crucial while ensuring safe counter-UAS technology use to protect civil aviation safety.

With more drones expected in airspace and misuse potential by bad actors, Nehls called for a balanced framework for counter-drone authorities and technologies. The Committee previously collaborated with Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees to reform counter-drone authorities granted to DHS and DOJ.

A former law enforcement official himself, Nehls praised legislation introducing a counter-UAS mitigation pilot program for state and local law enforcement—an unprecedented delegation of counter-drone authority to non-federal entities. Although not passed last year, he aims to work with stakeholders to improve it further.

He concluded by thanking witnesses again for their expertise in addressing threats from unauthorized or unlawful UAS operations.