Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide immediate transparency and accountability regarding the surge of unidentified, unmanned aerial system (UAS) sightings near sensitive military sites and across the country, including reports from Wyoming.
Over the past several weeks, numerous UAS sightings were reported across the Eastern United States, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia. These drones are described as being of unusual size and design, not matching any known commercial technology. Despite these alarming developments, the federal government’s response has been vague and contradictory.
This raises serious national security concerns as drone sightings occurred near sensitive sites and critical infrastructure. Congresswoman Hageman’s inquiry to the FAA demands answers on the total number of sightings, their origins, and the federal government’s plan to protect American airspace from potential threats.
The current situation is reminiscent of the Biden administration’s mishandling of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) high-altitude surveillance balloon earlier this year. In that incident, the balloon traversed the entire continental United States, including Wyoming, before decisive action was taken. The failure to respond swiftly to potential threats undermines public confidence in the federal government’s ability to protect national airspace and sovereignty.
Congresswoman Hageman expressed deep concern over the FAA’s lack of transparency and action, stating, “The increase in drone activity across the U.S. is alarming. The Biden administration failed to act when we had a Chinese Communist Party spy balloon cross our nation, and they are failing to act now. Either they don’t know what these drones are, or they’re deliberately keeping their origins from the American people. Both possibilities are deeply concerning. Regardless, the federal government owes us an explanation. Transparency and accountability are not optional when it comes to the safety of our airspace and national security. I am pushing the FAA to deliver the answers the American people deserve.”
In addition to the sightings near the Eastern U.S., Hageman noted that her constituents in Wyoming have reported similar drone activity. Despite federal agencies downplaying the potential threat, these sightings near military and critical infrastructure demand immediate answers and action.
