Dear Senators Thune and Schumer, Mr. Speaker and Representative Jeffries,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the National Fraternal Order of Police to express our strong support for the inclusion of H.R. 6042, the “Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction Act” (LANDED Act) into the final version of the “National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA).”
It is critical that Congress address the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to public safety and national security. In recent years, the proliferation of drones has presented significant challenges, including their use in illegal activities such as drug smuggling across borders, unauthorized surveillance, contraband delivery to prisons, and potential threats to critical infrastructure. These nefarious uses not only endanger the public but also put our nation’s law enforcement officers at greater risk as they respond to incidents without adequate Federal leadership, coordination, or technological support.
The “LANDED Act” addresses these issues head-on by establishing critical mechanisms for State and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with Federal partners, including the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security (DHS), as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The bill’s key provisions would create policies for acquiring and deploying approved counter-UAS detection systems, authorize processes for State agencies to detect, monitor, and mitigate drone threats, and establish a grant program to fund equipment and training. This will significantly enhance our ability to respond effectively to drone threats. Additionally, the mandatory deconfliction reporting and rapid response protocols ensure safe and coordinated operations, minimizing risks to legitimate airspace users while prioritizing privacy protections and compliance with existing laws.
This legislation is a vital step toward equipping law enforcement with the authority and resources needed to counter the evolving drone threat landscape. By fostering intergovernmental cooperation and providing targeted funding, the “LANDED Act” will help safeguard our nation’s borders, communities, and infrastructure from unlawful UAS activities.
On behalf of the 382,000 members of the FOP, we urge Congress to include H.R. 6042, the “LANDED Act,” as part of the final version of the NDAA. If we can provide any additional information in support of this provision, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President