Drone Activity Prompts Additional Demands From PA Congressman

WASHINGTON, DC ? U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), sent a letter on Monday to the Department of Homeland Security calling for the DHS to "immediately deploy advanced resources" to address escalating concerns over unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings near critical infrastructure in southeastern Pennsylvania.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Fitzpatrick pressed for "swift federal action" to address public safety, provide transparency, and enhance protective measures for the region. Growing reports of drones crossing into Pennsylvania from neighboring states like New York and New Jersey have intensified concerns about potential security risks and the origins of these unexplained activities.

In his letter, Fitzpatrick urgesd DHS to:

• Deploy state-of-the-art drone detection and tracking systems to identify flight patterns and potential security threats.
• Provide resources to Pennsylvania to pinpoint the origins of these UAS activities and determine their purpose.
• Collaborate closely with state and local authorities to ensure effective monitoring and response.

On Dec. 12, Fitzpatrick sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently investigate and disclose information about the increasing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region, including Bucks County, and neighboring New Jersey.

In addition to his calls for immediate action, Fitzpatrick is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 4333, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the federal government?s ability to protect Americans from threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The legislation would reauthorize critical existing authorities while creating new opportunities for federal agencies to coordinate counter-drone measures with state and local governments, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to addressing these threats.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick represents the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which includes all of Bucks County and a portion of Eastern Montgomery County.