Lower Bucks Today

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, representing Pennsylvania's 1st District and serving as Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has called for immediate action from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address concerns about unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings near critical infrastructure in southeastern Pennsylvania.

In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for federal intervention to enhance public safety and transparency. He highlighted growing reports of drones entering Pennsylvania from neighboring states such as New York and New Jersey, raising security concerns about their origins and activities.

Fitzpatrick requested DHS to "deploy state-of-the-art drone detection and tracking systems to identify flight patterns and potential security threats." He also urged providing resources to determine the origins and purposes of these UAS activities while collaborating with state and local authorities for effective monitoring.

The letter stated: "With the ongoing reports of unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings in southeastern Pennsylvania, I urgently request the Department of Homeland Security deploy additional resources to the state."

Fitzpatrick further noted that despite federal briefings indicating no immediate threat, it is crucial that communities in Pennsylvania are protected. He stressed that Pennsylvanians should not fear drones flying over their homes or critical infrastructure areas.

Earlier this month, Fitzpatrick sent another letter urging DHS, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to investigate unexplained drone activity in regions including Philadelphia and Bucks County.

Additionally, Fitzpatrick co-sponsors H.R. 4333, a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening federal capabilities against threats posed by UAS. The legislation seeks to reauthorize existing authorities while fostering new coordination opportunities between federal agencies and local governments for counter-drone measures.