We have entered drone madness.
On the heels of a Jon Bramnick statement Tuesday morning came a zoom press conference by Rep. Josh Gottheimer on drones apparently buzzing the New Jersey night. Just for the record, both the Republican Bramnick and the Democratic Gottheimer are running for governor.
There was something interesting, if not surreal, about a congressman taking the time to talk about what’s flying around after dark.
These are not flying saucers of lore, but you get the point.
The first question to Gottheimer was a good one. Are we merely seeing skilled hobbyists operating drones and having a grand time at the commotion they are causing? In other words, it’s all just a malicious prank.
The congressman did not speak directly about that possibility, but he did say:
“I’m not concerned about any imminent threats.”
The problem, however, is that some people may be concerned about threats. Call it fear of dealing with uncertainty.
Gottheimer says he knows the problem.
While he has not seen any drones himself, he said his office has been getting daily reports of sightings since late November, including almost 50 in one night.
Gottheimer’s CD-5 covering the northern part of the state includes parts of Bergen, Passaic and Sussex counties. He said drone sightings have been reported in 10 of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
The congressman said he wants the nation’s security officials to brief the public on what they know about the drones. Gottheimer says he has written to the FBI, FAA and Homeland Security Department asking them to do just that.
The apparent aim is to put any anxiety about drones to rest.
“We can never play it too safe when it comes to fighting to protect New Jersey families,” he said.
Additionally, the congressman wants federal legislation that would expand grants to local police departments to pay for radar, thereby allowing them to track any drone activity.
He also wants to increase penalties to a maximum of two years in jail for operating drones that interfere with operations of airports, military bases and similar facilities.
“We can’t be the wild west when it comes to drones,” Gottheimer said.
Bramnick and Gottheimer are not alone in talking about drones.
Almost two dozen mayors in the impacted area have written to the governor about the problem.
Phil Murphy said on Monday that the drones seem to be “very sophisticated,” adding that when you stare at them, they go dark.
For some, that info only adds to their unease.
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Congressman Josh Gottheimer recently conducted a thorough investigation on the use of drones in the United States, seeking answers to important questions surrounding their regulation and impact on society. As the use of drones becomes more prevalent in various industries, including agriculture, photography, and package delivery, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with their widespread adoption.
Gottheimer’s investigation focused on several key areas, including privacy concerns, safety regulations, and the potential for drones to be used for malicious purposes. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of drones being used to spy on individuals or disrupt air traffic, raising serious concerns about the need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures.
One of the main challenges facing lawmakers and regulators is balancing the benefits of drone technology with the need to protect individual privacy and public safety. While drones have the potential to revolutionize industries such as agriculture and logistics, they also raise important questions about who has the right to fly them and under what conditions.
During his investigation, Gottheimer consulted with experts in the field of drone technology, as well as law enforcement officials and privacy advocates, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. He also held public hearings and town hall meetings to solicit input from constituents and stakeholders, ensuring that all perspectives were taken into account.
Ultimately, Gottheimer’s investigation yielded valuable insights into the complex challenges posed by drones and provided a roadmap for future policy decisions. By engaging with experts and stakeholders across the board, he was able to develop a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand and propose thoughtful solutions that balance innovation with safety and privacy concerns.
As drones continue to play an increasingly important role in our society, it is essential that lawmakers and regulators take proactive steps to address the challenges they present. By conducting thorough investigations like the one led by Congressman Gottheimer, we can ensure that drone technology is harnessed responsibly and ethically for the benefit of all.
