Concise Summary:
Lawmakers are proposing the Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act to bolster the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) ability to protect nuclear facilities and related assets. The bill aims to strengthen NNSA’s authority to develop counter-drone technology, expand its capabilities to defend against unauthorized drones near nuclear sites, and empower it to purchase drone technologies and systems for defense. The proposed legislation comes in response to a series of recent unauthorized drone sightings near NNSA facilities, posing a serious threat to the nation’s nuclear resources. Representatives from both parties, including Susie Lee, Mark Amodei, Chuck Fleischmann, and Seth Moulton, have introduced the bill. While the FAA can restrict drone activity over nuclear sites, unauthorized drones are frequently observed. The NEDD Act seeks to provide NNSA with the necessary tools to protect its critical infrastructure and safeguard the nation’s nuclear security.
Key Points:
- A bipartisan group of lawmakers is seeking to enhance the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) authority to combat drone threats.
- The proposed NEDD Act would grant the NNSA greater power to develop and deploy counter-drone technology, addressing concerns about unauthorized drone sightings near nuclear facilities.
- The legislation specifically aims to protect facilities containing nuclear weapons components, as well as vehicles used for their transportation.
- The bill would enable the NNSA to purchase drones and build defensive systems against such threats.
- Unmanned aerial systems have become a significant concern for the NNSA, with recent incidents near its Nevada National Security Site demonstrating the ongoing threat.
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