Drones need to operate ‘freely and routinely’ in U.S.: Senate
June 11, 2012
MQ-9 Reaper, used by the U.S Border Patrol (credit: Gerald L Nino/Wikimedia Commons)
The integration of drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), into the National Airspace System (NAS) needs to be expedited, the Senate Armed Services Committee said in its report on the FY2013 defense authorization bill last week, FAS Secrecy News reports.
“Without the ability to operate freely and routinely in the NAS, UAS development and training — and ultimately operational capabilities — will be severely impacted,” the Committee report said.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday approved an amendment to the 2013 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would prohibit DHS from acquiring or flying drones that have weapons onboard, and Rep. Scott Austin (R-GA) introduced a bill (HR 5925) “to protect individual privacy against unwarranted governmental intrusion through the use of the unmanned aerial vehicles commonly called drones.”
Comments (8)
by Robert Ando
Do you really think that if “they” can, that they won’t???? One Texas sheriff is already outfitting his remote helicopters with tear gas and rubber bullets. SLIPPERY SLOPE – PEOPLE !!!
by Testicus
drones huh? well, nothing to feel bad over should one get “accidentally” shot down… no blood, no foul, right??
by jon Davis
The children of Orwell have matured. Tthe common man is slowly brain washed from the plutocrats who want to help us.
by Jay
how long can we possibly keep fending off attacks on our liberties by our own government and controlling interests? they have infinite stamina, endless funds and a hardened agenda. in the end, we’re all f*cked. and i mean completely
by Jonathan Cole
If they are going to do this, shouldn’t they start off by giving the drones names that reflect the ‘cop on the corner’ idea rather than the ‘death from the sky’ idea? I do not want to see a “Reaper” flying over my house. But a Fire Ranger’s Eye might be ok.
by Tony
I think Jamie hit the nail right on the head.
by Jamie
Rep. Scott Austin (R-GA) introduced a bill (HR 5925) “to protect individual privacy against unwarranted governmental intrusion through the use of the unmanned aerial vehicles commonly called drones.”
Hopefully somebody else comes to their senses like this dude and tells the SASC to go to North Korea where they will be welcome. Better yet, strap them to a drone and fly them there.
by Dizzle
I get beat the heck up by Kurz for being one of the worst tech advancement doomsdayers out there. This is one advancement I agree with; as a matter of principle. I think this is no different than manned choppers flying over East LA. Stop the manned choppers first.
Read my .99cent ebook. It’s 2048 and It Happened at Nextfest.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RD9EEY/