Washington, D.C. – The authorities’ actions or rather inaction regarding the recently experienced incidents of drones flying over several American states have alarmed federal lawmakers as they accuse the government of being too secretive and passive. Reports of the sightings have been made across several states including areas close to crucial facilities, and this has forced communities into concern while several legislators call for explanations.
Tales of strange UAVs in the vicinity of military installations, electricity-generating plants, and airports have been emerging since late last year. Despite the FAA and the Department of Homeland Security starting investigations, authorities have not made many enhancements regarding the source or purpose of the drones.
During a Tuesday Congress hearing, the latter criticized the federal response across the party affiliation. Republican Representative Mark Rogers added, “The American people have a right to know what is happening in our skies or should happen in our skies.” >If these drones pose a security risk, then we require action, not procedure. Now..
Democrats echoed similar concerns. Sen. Lisa Montgomery (D-CA) said, “The lack of clear communication from federal agencies undermines public trust. This is an issue of safety and national security.”
Criticism comes at a time when public anxiety is growing. Rural Colorado and Nebraska residents first sounded the alarm last year with reports of mysterious drone formations, describing large, unidentified drones flying in grid patterns during nighttime hours. Officials have yet to determine their operators after multiple investigations.
According to the FAA, the drone-marking and identification version of the regulatory proposal that could be implemented soon comes to address this. Experts argue though that they still may be insufficient without vigorous enforcement. “What we’re seeing now is a systematic gap in our ability to deal with the emerging aerial technologies of today,” said Brian Clarkson, an expert on drone policy.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stood by the administration’s response, saying that agencies were doing all they could to work together to investigate and diminish risks. “We’re taking this matter very seriously and we’re utilizing all resources available to us,” he noted.
Theoretical speculations range from corporate espionage to foreign surveillance to even one, possibly the most extreme, alleging alien activity disinformation that federal agencies have encouraged the public against carrying out and instead reporting their sightings.
Lawmakers have demanded a classified briefing to better understand the investigations and to ensure that proper action is taken. Meanwhile, communities continue to be in suspense, demanding swift, transparent federal action.
The more the mystery of the drone unfolds, the more pressure is piled on the government to provide public reassurance and thwart any potential threats to national security.
