Mystery drones over US prompt calls for answers from government, new legislation
Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County Sheriff, expresses his worries about the enigmatic drones that are appearing in New Jersey. The sheriff also responds to inquiries from viewers regarding these drones.
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Lawmakers and law enforcement are calling on the government to provide more answers about drones being spotted over the United States.
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The government has said that they are looking into the drones and that there is no threat, but some feel that isn’t a good enough answer.
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Some people, such as Rep. Debbie Dingell and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, want legislation passed that allows police to engage with these drones, while others, including Sen. Rand Paul, are against such legislation, citing privacy concerns.
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Lawmakers and law enforcement are calling on the government to provide more answers about drones being spotted over the United States.
-
The government has said that they are looking into the drones and that there is no threat, but some feel that isn’t a good enough answer.
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Some people, such as Rep. Debbie Dingell and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, want legislation passed that allows police to engage with these drones, while others, including Sen. Rand Paul, are against such legislation, citing privacy concerns.
FOX 2, Ann Arbor, Mich.Legislators and law enforcement are responding to calls for stricter restrictions, greater authority for law enforcement, and answers from the government, but opinions on how to address these demands are divided.
Although the federal government claims that recent drone sightings in various areas of the US pose no threat, some people disagree and are pressuring the government to take further action.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell stated that “the ambiguous answers that we are all getting in all of our areas is not satisfactory.” “We need vigorous regulations to keep us safe.”
Fears about drones
Lawmakers and law enforcement are concerned about the use of drones for malicious reasons, even though the majority are not.
Drones can be hazardous close to airports and electricity facilities, particularly if they have been weaponized, according to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
“Is it dangerous? Is it a lost enthusiast who is unaware of the regulations? Is it an enemy from abroad? Has it been turned into a weapon? “I said.” “None of them have answered other than saying, We don t think it’s a problem, nothing to see here.'”
Drones over the Woodward Dream Cruise were being flown higher than permitted, which puts aircraft like sheriff’s office helicopters in danger, according to Bouchard, who discussed how drones may be dangerous during events.
A man was observed momentarily running onto the stage during Longview’s performance, which caused the band to halt their music and disperse off-stage.
He also mentioned the usage of drones to deliver illegal goods to jails.
According to Bouchard, a deputy will be dispatched to assess the situation if his office receives a call regarding a drone that might be up to no good. They can frequently identify them as drones and follow them, but they lack the power to take action if the drone is being used illegally.
“Then, all we can do is observe,” he stated.
He continued by asking why the government hasn’t taken any action to assess the drones’ level of threat.
“Why wouldn’t they have sent advanced detection equipment out sooner rather than later?” “Bouchard said.”
Dingell expressed his hope that the government would act quickly if the latest drone sightings were a threat. She believes additional answers are necessary, though.
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell talks about the mysterious drones that were seen over New Jersey, which have some people worried that the government might be concealing something. She is urging the federal government to provide additional details and take action.
Using legislation to tackle drones
Dingell supports legislation that would enable law enforcement agencies nationwide to monitor and communicate with illegal drones.
“I believe we need greater clarification. They must be subject to stricter regulations, and we must enable local law enforcement to identify drones, determine their safety, and enforce stricter regulations,” she stated.
When it comes to drones, Bouchard reiterates the need for increased law enforcement involvement, stating that his office needs access to technology that would enable drones to be jammed in the event that they are used illegally.
“The FAA must be granted the authority by Congress to grant us the capacity to engage in interdiction. “That is the only obstacle,” he stated. “The federal government stepped in and resisted my request for this technology years ago, even though I had a purchase order to obtain it. They aggressively hinder our ability to defend our neighborhood in addition to not granting us the necessary authorities.”
The legislation’s sponsor, Sen. Gary Peters, stated that the modifications that permit law enforcement to use drones are crucial for public safety, pointing out that the suspect who attempted to kill President-elect Donald Trump during the summer used a drone to monitor the area surrounding the rally prior to the assault.
To identify and halt the strange drones that have been spotted over New Jersey, New York, and other eastern portions of the country in recent weeks, elected authorities are calling for action.
Opposition to legislation
Some lawmakers argue that drones are needless spying, while others are calling for more action to be taken to handle them by granting law enforcement more authority.
While he acknowledges that drones are dangerous, Sen. Rand Paul, who vetoed the drone legislation, stated that he thinks President Joe Biden’s administration should be transparent about the situation.
He claimed that despite claims to the contrary from the FBI, Homeland Security, and government authorities, the proposed bill would address dangers.
“Why don’t we try to get to the truth of the matter and what exactly exists and what the threat is before we propose legislation?” Paul stated. “Explain the issue to us. Tell us how serious the issue is.
On Tuesday, the White House will provide an update on the drones to the House Intelligence Committee. FOX 2 consulted a UFO specialist in the interim to get their opinion on the situation.
Paul also voiced worries that by focusing on their communications, the law would affect innocent people.
“History has shown us time and time again how fear and manufactured urgency are used as pretext to expand government power at the expense of freedom,” Paul stated.
Before passing the measure, he insisted on conducting a thorough discussion and debate.
“This body must not rush to grant sweeping surveillance powers without consideration and debate by the committees of jurisdiction,” he stated.
The Origin:Interviews with Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and Representative Debbie Dingell are included in this story, as are remarks made by Senators Rand Paul and Gary Peters on the Senate floor during a discussion of drone legislation.
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