Senate Rejects S 1631 Drone Legislation as Rand Paul Objects to Expanded Authority Led by Gary Peters

Dec 18, 2024, 06:25 PM

The U.S. Senate has rejected a proposal aimed at expanding government authority to detect and neutralize drones that may pose security threats. The legislation, known as the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (S 1631), sought to grant local and state law enforcement greater powers in countering drone incursions. The push for the bill was led by Senator Gary Peters, who requested unanimous consent for its passage. However, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) objected to the measure, effectively blocking it from advancing in the Senate. This decision reflects ongoing debates regarding the balance between security measures and government authority.