WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema spoke at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the need to monitor the security risks caused by drones, particularly in sensitive areas like the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Drones have revolutionized aviation, but as we integrate drones into the national airspace, we need to make sure we are monitoring the potential security risks caused by drones, particularly at the border, near airports, and around wildfires,” said Sinema.
In the hearing Sinema questioned officials about use of drones by drug cartels to monitor the movements of U.S. law enforcement and to smuggle drugs across the southern border. Sinema discussed how during a recent visit to the border she saw videos of these drones in use and questioned when operations to counter the use of the cartels’ drones would begin.
Sinema also questioned officials about how to stop private drone activity near wildfires, which grounds aerial firefighting resources. Sinema highlighted how when firefighting helicopters and air tankers are grounded, Arizonans are placed in danger.
